Recipe of Pastel de Nata

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 6 large egg yolks
• Ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and generously grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

2. 2

   Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to make a large rectangle. Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, then cut it into 12 even slices.

3. 3

   Flatten each pastry slice with the palm of your hand and use your fingers to press them into the muffin tin, covering the base and sides evenly to form pastry shells.

4. 4

   In a saucepan, heat the milk and half of the granulated sugar over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg yolks until smooth.

6. 6

   Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine.

7. 7

   Pour the custard mixture into each pastry shell, filling them about 2/3 full.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the tarts are golden brown and the custard is set.

9. 9

   Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. 10

    Optionally, dust the Pastel de Nata with ground cinnamon before serving.

11. 11

    Enjoy your homemade Pastel de Nata warm or at room temperature, and savor the rich, creamy goodness of Portugal's famous custard tarts!