Hey Lykkers! Are you ready to impress your friends and family with some mouth-watering egg tarts? If you've ever wanted to make a Portuguese egg tart that beats the ones from KFC, then this is the recipe for you.
Whether you're a baking pro or just starting, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you baking perfect, creamy, and crisp egg tarts in no time. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make 12 large Portuguese egg tarts, here's what we'll need:
• 140g milk
• 35g granulated sugar (don't reduce the sugar—this is key for the caramelized topping)
• 2 regular eggs (or 4 egg yolks for a more golden color)
• 15g sweetened condensed milk (or just use more sugar if you don't have condensed milk)
• 120g heavy cream
• 12 large egg tart shells (store-bought or homemade)
This combination will give you a smooth, creamy custard that's perfect for tarts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells
Start by taking the egg tart shells out of the freezer to thaw. You can also use homemade tart shells if you prefer. The goal is to have them soft enough to separate easily, but not too thawed that they lose their crispiness. Let them sit at room temperature while we prepare the filling.
Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients
Now, let's measure out all the ingredients. You'll need the milk, eggs, sugar, condensed milk, and heavy cream. If you don't have condensed milk, feel free to replace it with more sugar (but remember, the tart will be less creamy). For a richer, golden-colored custard, swap the 2 whole eggs for 4 egg yolks. This is an easy way to make the egg tarts look even more irresistible!
Step 3: Mixing the Custard
In a large container, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, condensed milk, and heavy cream. If you're a beginner, it's best to add each ingredient one at a time and mix them together after each addition. This will help prevent lumps and make sure everything is well-combined. You don't need to overmix—just a few good stirs until everything's incorporated.
Step 4: Straining the Custard
Once your mixture is ready, take a fine strainer and filter the custard into another bowl. This step ensures that the mixture is super smooth, which is key to that perfect, silky texture in the final tarts. It also removes any small bits that may have formed during mixing.
Step 5: Fill the Tart Shells
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the tart shells on it. Now, you can start filling them with the custard. Use a small jug with a spout (like a measuring cup) to carefully pour the mixture into each shell. Aim to fill them about 9/10 full so that they have room to expand while baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 400°F). Once the oven is ready, place the tray of tarts in the middle-lower part of the oven to bake. Bake at 200°C for about 25 minutes. The tarts should puff up and have a golden-brown, slightly caramelized top. Keep an eye on them, though! The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it's important to check for that beautiful caramelized color on top.
Step 7: Watch for Caramelization
Here's a pro tip—don't walk away while the tarts are baking! The key to getting that signature caramelized topping is to watch for the moment when the tarts develop those beautiful dark spots on top. This is what gives them that delicious, slightly crispy finish. If you want to avoid under-baking, don't be afraid to leave them in for a few extra minutes if necessary.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once your egg tarts are baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they'll still be tasty the next day. If you have any leftover, simply store them in an airtight container.
Tips and Troubleshooting
• For Crispier Tarts: Be sure to place the tart shells in the oven immediately after filling them with custard. Waiting too long can cause the custard to soak into the shells, which makes them soggy.
• Baking Time May Vary: Every oven is different. The baking time mentioned is a general guideline, but some ovens may require a bit more or less time. Keep an eye on your tarts, especially towards the end of the baking time.
• Customize the Flavor: If you want to get creative, you can add different fillings before pouring in the custard. Try chocolate, durian, peach chunks, blueberries, or even a bit of strawberry jam for some variety. Chocolate and blueberries can even cause a "burst" of flavor when you take a bite!
• Sweetness Level: If you like your egg tarts a bit sweeter, you can add 10g more sugar. This recipe has a balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
There you have it, Lykkers! A foolproof recipe for making Portuguese egg tarts that'll blow everyone away. Whether you're making them for a party or just for a cozy treat at home, these tarts will definitely impress. Let me know how they turn out or if you've added any unique twists to your own batch! Happy baking!
