Indulge in the classic and comforting flavors of a custard tart. This delightful dessert features a rich and creamy custard filling nestled in a buttery pastry shell. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, this custard tart is a timeless treat that will impress both family and friends. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The pastry is made from a combination of plain flour, low-fat spread, and a pinch of salt, resulting in a tender and flavorful crust. The custard filling is made by whisking together eggs, sugar, and warm skimmed milk, which is then poured into the pastry shell. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and aroma to the tart. Baked until the custard is set and the pastry is golden, the custard tart is best served warm, allowing you to experience the smooth and velvety texture of the custard. Get ready to savor each delightful bite of this classic custard tart.
INGREDIENTS:
- 100g/4oz plain flour
- Pinch of salt
- 50g/2oz low-fat spread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 300ml/10fl oz skimmed milk, warmed
- Freshly grated nutmeg
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Lightly grease an 18cm/7in flan tin with low-fat spread.
- In a bowl, combine the plain flour and salt. Add the low-fat spread and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Gradually add a tablespoon of cold water at a time, mixing until the mixture forms a firm dough. Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured work surface.
- Roll out the pastry and use it to line the greased flan tin. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Fill the pastry shell with crumpled foil and place it on a baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the pastry to dry out. Then, remove the pastry shell from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Whisk in the warmed skimmed milk.
- Strain the custard mixture into the pastry shell and sprinkle the surface with a little freshly grated nutmeg.
- Bake the custard tart for about 35 minutes until the custard is set and the pastry is golden.
- Serve the custard tart warm to fully enjoy the velvety texture of the custard.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Be sure to use warm skimmed milk to prevent the custard from curdling.
- To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, prick the base with a fork before baking and use crumpled foil to weigh it down during the initial baking.
- It’s important to strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the pastry shell to ensure a smooth and silky texture.
TIPS:
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
- Allow the custard tart to cool slightly before serving to enhance the custard’s creaminess.
- Dust the surface of the custard tart with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
- Serve the tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Indulge in the timeless delight of a custard tart, featuring a velvety custard filling encased in a buttery pastry shell. This classic dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones. With a tender pastry made from plain flour and low-fat spread, and a rich custard filling prepared with eggs, sugar, and warm skimmed milk, this custard tart offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Creating the pastry shell involves rubbing the low-fat spread into the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs, followed by rolling out the dough and lining an 18cm/7in flan tin. Pre-baking the shell ensures a crisp and golden base. Meanwhile, the custard is prepared by whisking together eggs, sugar, and warm skimmed milk, then straining the mixture into the pastry shell. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds a touch of warmth and aroma.
Baked until the custard is set and the pastry is golden, the custard tart is best served warm, allowing you to appreciate the smooth and velvety texture of the custard. The combination of creamy custard and buttery pastry creates a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.
To enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the custard mixture. This will infuse the tart with additional warmth and depth of flavor.
When serving the custard tart, you can dust the surface with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Enjoy the classic and satisfying experience of a custard tart. Its creamy custard filling and buttery pastry shell create a dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Delight in the simple yet exquisite flavors that this custard tart offers.
