Portuguese Egg Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar are a beloved pastry that perfectly balances crisp, flaky layers with a rich, silky custard center. Inspired by the iconic Pastéis de Nata from Lisbon, these tarts are baked at high heat to achieve their signature blistered tops and golden edges. The final dusting of cinnamon sugar adds warmth and aromatic sweetness, making each bite irresistibly comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures bakery-quality flavor with surprisingly approachable steps. The contrast between crisp pastry and creamy custard is pure joy, and the cinnamon sugar finish adds a cozy twist that makes these tarts even more special. They’re elegant, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Iconic European dessert with timeless appeal
• Perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and caramelized textures
• Ideal for brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea
• Impressive yet achievable at home
• Cinnamon sugar adds a warm, comforting finish

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Servings: 12 egg tarts
• Calories: ~220 calories per tart
• Course: Dessert / Pastry
• Cuisine: Portuguese

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• All-purpose flour, for dusting

For the Custard Filling

• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 large egg yolks

For Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll puff pastry tightly into a log and slice into rounds.
3. Press pastry rounds into a muffin tin to form shells.
4. Heat milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon stick until thickened.
5. Remove cinnamon stick; temper egg yolks into custard.
6. Fill pastry shells with custard.
7. Bake until pastry is crisp and tops are caramelized.
8. Cool slightly and dust with cinnamon sugar.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare pastry: Roll puff pastry into a tight log, slice into 12 pieces.
2. Shape shells: Press each slice into muffin cups, forming thin layers.
3. Make custard base: Heat milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon.
4. Thicken custard: Stir until smooth and slightly thick.
5. Add egg yolks: Slowly whisk yolks into warm custard.
6. Fill shells: Pour custard into pastry-lined tin.
7. Bake: Cook at high heat until blistered and golden.
8. Finish: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar while warm.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature
• Pair with espresso or strong coffee
• Dust with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar
• Enjoy as dessert, brunch pastry, or afternoon treat

Recipe Tips

• Use high heat for signature caramelized tops
• Don’t overfill shells—custard will puff
• Chill pastry slightly if it softens
• Whisk custard constantly to prevent lumps
• Use whole milk and cream for richness

Variations

• Classic Style: Skip cinnamon sugar for traditional taste
• Vanilla Bean: Use scraped vanilla pod instead of extract
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to custard
• Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted dark chocolate after baking
• Mini Tarts: Use mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked filled shells up to 1 month
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes

Special Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
• Rolling pin

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these authentic Pastéis de Nata?
They are inspired by the classic recipe with a cinnamon sugar twist.

Q: Can I use store-bought tart shells?
Yes, but puff pastry gives the best flaky texture.

Q: Why bake at such high heat?
High heat creates the signature blistered custard top.

Q: Can I make them ahead?
Yes, best enjoyed the same day but still delicious next day.

Conclusion

Portuguese Egg Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar are a stunning blend of flaky pastry, creamy custard, and warm spice. Whether you’re recreating memories of a Lisbon bakery or discovering this dessert for the first time, these tarts deliver pure comfort and elegance in every bite. A true must-try for pastry lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.