Egg Tart

Egg tarts are a delightful pastry that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. With a creamy, custard-like filling nestled in a flaky crust, these tarts are a must-try for anyone who enjoys a sweet treat. Originating from Portuguese and Chinese cuisines, egg tarts have become a staple in bakeries and homes alike. They are perfect for afternoon tea, a light dessert, or even a sweet snack anytime you crave something delightful. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your very own egg tarts, ensuring that they turn out perfectly every time.

Why It Works Every Time

The success of an egg tart lies in its harmonious combination of a buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling. The crust is made with cold butter, which creates a flaky texture when baked, while the filling consists of a balance of egg yolks, evaporated milk, and condensed milk for sweetness and creaminess. The addition of sour cream enhances the custard’s richness, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. By following this recipe closely, you can achieve that perfect blend of flavors and textures, ensuring your egg tarts are always a hit.

What You’ll Need

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 1/2 ounces sour cream (plus additional if needed)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup condensed milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Before You Start: Equipment

• Mixing bowls: For preparing the dough and filling.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry dough.
• Tart pans: Individual or one large pan, depending on your preference.
• Whisk: For mixing the filling ingredients thoroughly.
• Oven: To bake the tarts to perfection.

How to Prepare Egg Tart

Step 1: Make the Crust

Begin by mixing the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Add Sour Cream

Stir in the sour cream. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more sour cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you can form the dough into a ball.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps in your mixture, as a smooth filling is key to a perfect egg tart.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is chilling.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out circles that are slightly larger than your tart pans to ensure you have enough dough to cover the sides.

Step 7: Form the Tarts

Gently press the dough circles into the tart pans, ensuring they are evenly distributed along the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom of each crust with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 8: Bake the Crusts

Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until they are just starting to turn golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 9: Fill the Tarts

Once the crusts are slightly cooled, pour the egg filling into each tart shell, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for some expansion during baking.

Step 10: Bake Again

Return the tarts to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the egg tarts to cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill completely. Serve them cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.

In-Season Swaps

• For a seasonal twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• In the summer, you could incorporate fresh fruit puree into the filling for a fruity egg tart variation.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that’s perfect for summer.
• Use different extracts such as almond or coconut to change up the flavor profile of your egg tarts.

Things That Go Wrong

• Crust is too tough: This usually happens from overworking the dough. Mix just until combined and avoid excessive handling.
• Filling is lumpy: Ensure that your egg mixture is well-whisked and free of any lumps before pouring it into the crusts.
• Tarts overflow: Avoid overfilling the shells, leaving some space for the filling to expand while baking.
• Burnt tops: If you notice the tops browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil while baking.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Egg tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Allow the tarts to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg yolks?

Using whole eggs will change the texture of the filling, as the yolks provide richness. If you must use whole eggs, consider adjusting the liquid ingredients to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Just roll it out and bake when you’re ready to make the tarts.

What can I substitute for evaporated milk?

You can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream to mimic the texture and flavor of evaporated milk. A 50/50 blend works well in this recipe.

Why are my tarts not setting properly?

If your tarts are not setting, it may be due to underbaking or not using enough egg yolks. Ensure that you bake them until the filling is just set, and follow the recipe measurements carefully.

You Might Also Like

• Vanilla Custard Cups
• Seasonal Fruit Tart
• Mini Cheesecakes
• Creamy Panna Cotta

Final Thoughts

Egg tarts are a deliciously versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create these sweet treats that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with seasonal flavors, egg tarts are bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the creamy, buttery goodness of homemade egg tarts!