Recipes Cuisine European Portuguese Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pasteis de Nata) 4.8 (170) 149 Reviews 91 Photos Pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, with their signature flaky crust and sweet custard filling are world-famous, and incredibly delicious. This recipe shows you how to make them from scratch, using basic ingredients. Yes, it requires numerous steps and a certain amount of finesse, but the results are so worth it. By John Mitzewich John Mitzewich John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Updated on February 6, 2024 Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself. Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen Save Rate Print Share Add Photo 91 91 91 91 Prep Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 25 mins Additional Time: 2 hrs 35 mins Total Time: 4 hrs Servings: 12 Yield: 12 tarts Jump to Nutrition Facts Jump to recipe Portuguese custard tarts (or pasteis de nata) are crisp, creamy, and decadently sweet. This Portuguese dessert recipe features a delicately spiced flavor and uses pantry ingredients like egg yolks, flour, and cinnamon to create a one-of-a-kind pastry. Try your hand at making these irresistibly delicious custard treats with trademark caramelized tops and flaky, buttery puff pastry. Follow the top-rated recipe for crave-worthy results, plus learn tips for making the best pasteis de nata ever. Chef John What Does Pasteis de Nata Mean? Pasteis de nata is Portuguese for cream pastries — the name describes the velvety texture of this classic dish. The pastel de nata was first made over 300 years ago in a monastery west of Lisbon. Monks developed the custard-filled treat recipe with sugar and surplus egg yolks — a result of using egg whites to launder clothes. The crisp golden pastry filled with a soft, rich cream is an enticing bite of history. How to Make Pasteis de Nata A pastel de nata is made in three steps; dough, syrup, and custard. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe; Begin by making a pastry dough layered with unsalted butter. Next, combine sugar, spices, and water to make the syrup. Boil the syrup mixture until it reaches 210 degrees F, then remove it from heat. Combine and cook all the custard ingredients on the stovetop before pressing pastry dough into muffin tins. Fill the dough with custard, then bake in the oven until the tops are fully caramelized. How to Store Pasteis de Nata While pasteis de nata are best enjoyed warm on the day they're made, they can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in a 350 degrees F oven for best results. Can I Freeze Pasteis de Nata? Yes, you can technically freeze Portuguese custard tarts — but be aware that the custard may split and become grainy. The chance of splitting goes up rapidly with time, so avoid keeping frozen pastries for longer than a month. Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise "Wow, these are absolutely amazing!" raves reviewer Tracy H. "I've been craving these ever since I tried them in Lisbon last year. I followed the recipe exactly and they came out perfect!" "I own a bakery and an individual asked if I made Portuguese custard tarts," shares eatatsarahs. "I said I'd try, and this was the first and ONLY recipe I used! I now make these on a weekly basis and make 5-6 dozen a week." "Love them," says an Allrecipes member. " Don't take your eyes away from the oven as they are easy to overcook." Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings Dough: 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ⅓ cup cold water 1 stick high-quality unsalted butter, fully softened, divided Sugar Syrup: ¾ cup white sugar ¼ cup water 1 tablespoon water 1 cinnamon stick (Optional) 1 lemon, zested in large strips (Optional) Custard Base: ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 ½ cups milk 6 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional) Directions Combine flour, salt, and cold water in a bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until dough just comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Dough should be sticky; adjust with more flour or water to achieve what's shown in the video. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Transfer dough onto a well-floured surface. Dust a little more flour over the top. Knead for 1 to 2 minutes to form a round. Cover and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Roll dough into a square about 1/8-inch-thick, dusting with flour as necessary; dough should still be sticky. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Spread 1/3 of the butter over 2/3 of the square using a silicone spatula, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Flip the unbuttered side over the middle of the square and fold the opposite end over it like a letter. Straighten the edges as needed. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Turn dough with a bench scraper to unstick it from the counter; dust with flour. Flip and sprinkle more flour on top. Roll dough into a 1/8-inch-thick rectangle, carefully stretching edges as needed. Spread another 1/3 of the butter over 2/3 of the dough. Fold into thirds. Transfer onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until butter is slightly chilled, about 10 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Sprinkle dough with flour and roll into a square a little over 1/8-inch-thick. Spread remaining butter over the dough, leaving a 1- to 1 1/2-inch border on the top edge. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the unbuttered edge. Roll dough into a log starting from the bottom edge. Dust with more flour and polish the ends as needed. Seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Combine sugar, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water, cinnamon, and lemon zest in a pot. Boil over medium heat, without stirring, until syrup reaches 210 to 215 degrees F (100 degrees C). Remove from heat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Preheat the oven to 550 degrees F (288 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Whisk flour, salt, and cold milk together very thoroughly in a cold pot. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until milk thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 10 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Whisk egg yolks into the cooled milk. Add sugar syrup and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Strain custard into a glass measuring cup. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Unwrap the dough and trim any uneven bits on the ends. Score log into 12 even pieces using a knife; cut through. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Place a piece of dough in each muffin cup. Dip your thumb lightly in some cold water. Press your thumb into the center of the swirl; push dough against the bottom and up the sides of the cup until it reaches least 1/8 inch past the top. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Fill each cup 3/4 of the way with custard. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Bake in the preheated oven until the pastry is browned and bubbly, and the tops start to blister and caramelize, about 12 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Cool tarts briefly and serve warm. Enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS Chef's Notes You'll have to decide whether to include lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla, which are apparently optional ingredients in Portugal, but I really enjoy the flavor and wouldn't change a thing.You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the cinnamon stick. I Made It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 210 Calories 11g Fat 25g Carbs 4g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 12 Calories 210 % Daily Value * Total Fat 11g 14% Saturated Fat 6g 31% Cholesterol 125mg 42% Sodium 98mg 4% Total Carbohydrate 25g 9% Dietary Fiber 1g 2% Total Sugars 14g Protein 4g 8% Vitamin C 1mg 1% Calcium 55mg 4% Iron 1mg 5% Potassium 75mg 2% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.