Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and their desserts are no exception. From creamy custards to sweet pastries, Portuguese desserts are a must-try for any food lover. One of the most beloved desserts in Portugal is the famous pastéis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts. These delicious tarts have a flaky pastry crust and a creamy custard filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. In this article, we will share a traditional dessert recipe Portuguese for pastéis de nata that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
If you're a fan of citrus flavors, this Portuguese orange cake is a must-try. Made with fresh oranges and topped with a delicious glaze, this moist and flavorful cake will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The Portuguese have truly mastered the art of incorporating fruit into their desserts, and this cake is no exception.
A staple in Portuguese pastry shops, these egg tarts are a delicious and indulgent treat. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a creamy custard and topped with a slightly caramelized layer, making for a perfect combination of textures and flavors. These tarts are a must-try for any dessert lover.
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Portuguese Sweet Rice Dessert
Main Ingredients: Milk, Rice, Sugar, Cinnamon Stick, Cinnamon, Lemon, Egg
Known as "arroz doce" in Portuguese, this sweet rice dessert is a classic comfort food in Portugal. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this creamy and fragrant dessert is perfect for a cold winter night. It's also commonly served at special occasions and holidays.
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Lavadores (Washboard Cookies) Portuguese Dessert
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Lemon, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
These unique cookies get their name from the traditional Portuguese way of washing clothes on a washboard. These cookies are made with a crunchy cookie dough and are filled with walnuts, almonds, and raisins. The result is a delicious and rustic dessert that is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Similar to the traditional egg tarts, these Portuguese egg tarts have a slightly different twist. The filling is made with a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and cream, resulting in a smooth and rich custard that is perfectly complemented by the flaky pastry crust. These tarts are a true indulgence.
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Sericaia ‘Portuguese sweet’
Main Ingredients: Milk, Lemon, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Cinnamon
This traditional Portuguese dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. It's made with a mixture of eggs, sugar, and milk, and is flavored with cinnamon and lemon peel. The result is a creamy and fragrant dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
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Portuguese Coconut ›Custard Tarts
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Milk, Sweetened Shredded Coconut, Large
If you're a fan of coconut, you'll love these Portuguese custard tarts. The filling is made with a mixture of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, and is topped with a layer of toasted coconut. The result is a delicious and tropical twist on the classic Portuguese egg tart.
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Encharcada (Portuguese Soaked Eggs)
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Cinnamon Stick, Egg Yolks
This unique dessert gets its name from the fact that the eggs are "soaked" in a sweet syrup. The eggs are cooked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and cinnamon, resulting in a rich and creamy custard that is soaked in the syrup. This dessert is a true treat for the taste buds.
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Kuejadas (Portuguese Tart)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Margarine, Eggs, Flour, Condensed Milk, Milk
These individual-sized tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a creamy custard. They are often topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon or sugar, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. These tarts are perfect for a sweet treat on-the-go.
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Portuguese Doughnuts (Felozes)
Main Ingredients: Water, Butter, Granulated White Sugar, All Purpose
If you're a fan of fried desserts, you have to try these Portuguese doughnuts. Made with a simple dough that is fried to perfection, these doughnuts are then coated in sugar and cinnamon. These sweet and crispy treats are perfect for any occasion.
These famous Portuguese tarts are a must-try for anyone visiting Portugal. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a rich and creamy custard that is slightly caramelized on top. These tarts are a true delicacy and are often served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Arroz Doce (Portuguese rice pudding)
Main Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Boiling Water, Lemon, Whole Milk, Sugar
This traditional Portuguese rice pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that is perfect for any time of year. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, this dessert is creamy and fragrant, and is often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.
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Portuguese milk doughnuts
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking
These doughnuts are made with a simple dough that is fried to perfection and then coated in a sweet glaze. The result is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. These doughnuts are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Portuguese Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Flour, Baking Powder
These simple yet delicious biscuits are perfect for a quick and easy dessert. Made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, these biscuits are crispy and lightly sweetened. They are perfect for dipping in tea or enjoying on their own as a light snack.
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Portuguese Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Flour
This classic sponge cake is a staple in Portuguese households. It's light and fluffy, and often flavored with vanilla or lemon. It's perfect for any occasion and can be served plain or topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Similar to arroz doce, this Portuguese rice pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert. The rice is cooked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and cinnamon, resulting in a creamy and fragrant pudding. This dessert is perfect for a cold winter night.
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Portuguese Porridge (Papas)
Main Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Flour, Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Egg Yolk
This simple yet delicious porridge is made with a combination of cornmeal, milk, and sugar. It's often flavored with a sprinkle of cinnamon and is perfect for a quick and easy dessert or breakfast. It's a traditional dish in many Portuguese households.
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Portuguese Lemon Cookies
Main Ingredients: White Flour, Granulated Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Lemon
If you're a fan of lemon desserts, you have to try these Portuguese lemon cookies. Made with a buttery cookie dough and flavored with fresh lemon juice and zest, these cookies are tangy and sweet. They are perfect for a light and refreshing dessert.
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Easy Portuguese Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, White Sugar, Butter, Eggs, All Purpose
These simple and delicious cookies are a staple in many Portuguese households. Made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They are often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Last but certainly not least, the traditional Portuguese tarts are a must-try for any dessert lover. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a rich and creamy custard that is flavored with vanilla, lemon, and cinnamon. These tarts are a true indulgence and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
Making the Pastry
To make the perfect pastéis de nata, you first need to start with the pastry. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add 1/2 cup of cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Custard Filling
While the dough is resting, it's time to prepare the creamy custard filling. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of whole milk, and 1 cinnamon stick. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 3 egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the filling cool for 15 minutes.
Assembling and Baking
Once the pastry dough and custard filling are ready, it's time to assemble and bake the pastéis de nata. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin with butter. Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles and press them into the muffin tin, making sure to create a small well in the center. Pour the cooled custard filling into each pastry cup, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the pastéis de nata are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the tarts from the muffin tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle the tarts with cinnamon and powdered sugar before serving. These pastéis de nata are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
Now that you have the dessert recipe Portuguese for pastéis de nata, it's time to impress your friends and family with this delicious treat. These creamy custard tarts are sure to become a favorite in your household, and you can even add your own twist by adding different flavors like chocolate or fruit. So why not give this traditional Portuguese dessert a try and taste the flavors of Portugal in your own kitchen?