The Perfect Egg Custard Tart Recipe: Silky, Sweet Comfort

Crafting a delectable egg custard tart brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Whispers of nostalgia dance through traditional Portuguese and British pastry techniques.

Silky smooth custard nestles inside a buttery, crisp pastry shell that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Delicate flavors promise a dessert both comforting and elegant.

Subtle hints of nutmeg and vanilla weave through each creamy bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

One slice will transport you to elegant afternoon tea moments.

Fun Options For Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart

• Gluten-Free Custard Tart: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Coconut Custard Tart: Swap eggs with silken tofu and use coconut milk instead of dairy for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Sugar Custard Tart: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Almond Custard Tart: Use almond milk and coconut cream to create a lactose-free alternative with rich flavor.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart

• Elevate Sweetness with Soothing Tea: Pair the delicate egg custard tart with a light Darjeeling or chamomile tea, which complements the creamy texture and gentle sweetness of the dessert.
• Contrast with Sparkling Wine: Introduce a crisp prosecco or champagne that cuts through the richness of the custard, creating a refreshing balance and enhancing the tart's subtle flavors.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a bright, tangy element that provides a delightful counterpoint to the smooth custard.
• Enhance with Nutmeg Sprinkle: Dust a light layer of ground nutmeg over the tart to amplify its warm, aromatic profile and introduce a subtle spicy note that deepens the overall taste experience.

How To Store Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart The Right Way

• Store leftover egg custard tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain texture and flavor.
• Keep at room temperature for 2 hours maximum. Avoid leaving custard tart out longer to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm gently in preheated oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy crust and uneven heating.

FAQs On Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart

• What's the key to a flaky tart crust?

Laminating the oil and water doughs by folding and rolling creates multiple thin layers that result in a delicate, crisp texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and tart shells a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to fill and bake.

• Do I need special equipment to make this custard tart?

A basic rolling pin, tart molds, and standard baking tools are sufficient. No specialized equipment is required.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

It’s moderate difficulty, requiring some pastry technique like laminating dough and making custard, but very achievable for someone with basic baking skills.

Why Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart Is A Classic

• Craft Layered Perfection: The lamination technique creates incredibly flaky, delicate pastry layers that melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.
• Master Baking Skills: This recipe offers an opportunity to learn professional pastry techniques like dough lamination, sugar syrup preparation, and precise baking methods.
• Impress with Elegance: The sophisticated egg custard tart looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, making it perfect for special gatherings or dessert presentations.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Suitable for various occasions from afternoon tea to elegant dinner parties, this tart appeals to both novice and experienced dessert lovers with its rich, creamy texture and beautiful appearance.

What You Need For Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure for the tart crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a flaky texture in the pastry.
• Oil: Helps create a smooth and pliable dough for lamination.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Water: Binds the dough ingredients together.

• Eggs: The primary binding and thickening agent for the creamy custard.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth custard texture.
• Milk: Creates the liquid base for the rich and silky custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic aromatic flavor to the custard.

• Powdered Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Optional toppings for additional sweetness and decoration.

How To Bake Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart Easily

Step 1: Craft Oil Dough

Whip up a smooth oil dough by blending flour with shortening or butter. Work the mixture until it forms a cohesive, pliable dough. Wrap it carefully and tuck into the refrigerator to rest and chill.

Step 2: Create Water Dough

Mix flour with water and a touch of salt to form a silky water dough. Knead gently until the texture becomes uniform and elastic. Cover and refrigerate alongside the oil dough.

Step 3: Merge Doughs Through Lamination

Place the chilled oil dough inside the water dough. Roll out the combined dough carefully, creating delicate layers. Fold and roll repeatedly to develop flaky, buttery pastry texture.

Step 4: Shape Elegant Tart Shells

Stretch the laminated dough and press into tart molds. Trim edges neatly and return shells to the refrigerator to firm up. The cold helps maintain the intricate layers.

Step 5: Whip Luxurious Custard Filling

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and silky, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 6: Bake Golden Tart Masterpiece

Pour custard into prepared shells. Slide into a preheated oven. Bake until the filling sets and the edges turn golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow tarts to cool completely. Gently remove from molds. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your delicate, homemade egg custard tarts!

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate both oil and water doughs for at least 30 minutes to ensure flaky, tender pastry layers.
• Roll Gently for Layers: Use light, even pressure when folding and rolling doughs to create delicate, distinct pastry sheets.
• Control Syrup Consistency: Cook sugar syrup until slightly thickened but not caramelized for perfect custard sweetness.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch tart closely in final 10 minutes to avoid dry or cracked custard surface.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow tart to cool completely at room temperature for clean, smooth slicing and best flavor development.

Egg Custard Tart Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smooth egg custard tart whispers classic British dessert comfort with its golden, creamy filling nestled in a buttery shortcrust pastry. Sweet nostalgia and delicate flavors invite you to savor each delightful, traditional bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup water

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare two distinct dough types – oil-based and water-based – and refrigerate them separately to enhance texture and manageability.
2. Create a layered pastry by meticulously folding and rolling the two doughs together, generating delicate, flaky pastry sheets.
3. Carefully mold the laminated dough into tart shells, ensuring uniform thickness and smooth edges, then return to refrigerator for firming.
4. Craft a silky sugar syrup by gently heating and dissolving sugar, simultaneously preparing a rich, smooth custard mixture with precise whisking.
5. Pour the luxurious custard into the chilled tart shells, ensuring even distribution and minimal air bubbles.
6. Position the filled tart shells in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing them to bake for approximately 45 minutes until the custard sets and the pastry turns golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let the tarts cool completely at room temperature, which helps the custard stabilize and develop a perfect consistency.
8. Gently unmold the tarts, revealing the delicate, flaky exterior and creamy interior, ready to be served and savored.

Notes

• Chill doughs thoroughly to ensure flaky, tender pastry layers that melt in your mouth.
• Use cold ingredients when making oil and water doughs to prevent gluten development and maintain a delicate texture.
• Laminate dough carefully by creating multiple thin layers, which helps achieve that signature crispy, buttery crust.
• Strain custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, guaranteeing a silky smooth filling.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Allow tart to cool completely before slicing to help custard set properly and prevent structural collapse.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (including chilling and preparation steps)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg