How to Make Traditional Portuguese Pastéis de Nata at Home
If you’ve ever visited Portugal or heard about Portuguese desserts, you’ve probably come across Pastéis de Nata. These delicious custard tarts are famous worldwide for their creamy filling and crisp, flaky pastry. They are truly a treat to savor with a cup of coffee or tea. The great news is that you don’t need to fly to Lisbon to taste them—you can make them at home! While the process requires some time and attention, the result is well worth it.
In this blog, I’ll guide you step-by-step with a simple recipe to recreate authentic Pastéis de Nata in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
What Are Pastéis de Nata?
Pastéis de Nata (singular: pastel de nata) are traditional Portuguese custard tarts with a rich egg yolk filling and crispy puff pastry crust. They were originally created by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon in the 18th century. Today, they are an iconic part of Portuguese cuisine and are enjoyed all around the world.
The buttery crispness of the pastry combined with the creamy, sweet custard and a hint of cinnamon makes these treats unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Pastéis de Nata at home, you’ll need some basic ingredients. Here’s what you need:
For the pastry:
- 1 package of store-bought puff pastry (or homemade if you prefer)
For the custard filling:
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 g)
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
If using store-bought puff pastry, let it thaw for about 20 minutes until it’s soft enough to work with. Roll it out into a thin rectangle and brush it lightly with water. Then, start rolling the pastry tightly into a log shape. Once you have a log, slice it into 12 equally sized discs.
Take each disc and flatten it slightly with your fingers. Place the disc into a muffin tin, flattening and pressing it into the shape of the cup. Make sure the pastry covers the bottom and sides evenly. Chill the muffin tin in the refrigerator while you prepare the custard filling.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
-
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and about 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Gradually pour in the rest of the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
-
Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Meanwhile, in another small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat it over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and forms a light syrup consistency. Remove from the heat.
-
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract together. Slowly pour the cooled milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously. Be careful not to cook the eggs.
-
Gradually add the sugar syrup into the egg custard mixture, continuing to stir until fully combined. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
-
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). You’ll need high heat to achieve the traditional caramelized tops.
-
Take the chilled muffin tin with the puff pastry cups and fill each cup about three-quarters full with the custard mixture.
-
Bake the tarts in the hot oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are caramelized and the crust turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on them—some bubbling or black spots are normal and give Pastéis de Nata their signature look!
Step 4: Let Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Dust them with cinnamon or powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- High Heat is Key: Pastéis de Nata need very high temperatures to caramelize properly, so make sure your oven is thoroughly preheated.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastry cups, as the custard will expand slightly while baking.
- Use a Muffin Tin: Muffin tins provide the perfect shape and size for the tarts.
Final Thoughts
Making authentic Portuguese Pastéis de Nata at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to taste a piece of Portugal without leaving your kitchen. The combination of crisp pastry, creamy custard, and caramelized tops is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment and perfect the recipe as you go—you’ll be a Pastéis de Nata expert in no time!
Whether you make these for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to impress. Give them a try and experience the magic of this beloved Portuguese dessert.
Bom apetite! (That’s Portuguese for “Enjoy your meal!”)
