Egg Tarts

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 07/22/21
Egg Tarts

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 24 tarts
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
148 Calories
6g Fat
21g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 148
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 44mg 15%
Sodium 15mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 41mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Egg tarts are subtly sweet bite-sized treats with a flaky crust and custard filling. They can be enjoyed warm from the oven, at room temperature, or even served cold. Egg tarts have a unique history in both Asian and Portuguese cuisine.

The Portuguese version of egg tarts have a scorched, caramelized exterior. A version of this caramelized egg tart can also be seen on menus in Macau, and just a short boat ride away is Hong Kong where egg tarts can also be found on local menus. The Hong Kong egg tarts are influenced by the British style of custard tarts, with the egg custard filling presented with a glossy, smooth finish rather than a caramelized top. They're a popular offering at dim sum.

These Chinese-style egg tarts may seem difficult to make, but the preparation is quite easy. A simple egg custard is made with milk, egg, vanilla, and sugar syrup for subtle sweetness. The filling is poured inside a simple pastry crust that has been pressed inside small tart pans.

The egg tarts are first baked at a higher temperature to allow the crust to crisp, then the oven temperature is lowered to allow the filling to set. Once the filling is no longer wobbly, the tarts are ready to remove from the oven. Once they have cooled enough to handle, gently remove them from the tart pans and enjoy. They are the perfect not-too-sweet treat to end any meal.

Ingredients

For the Egg Custard:

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 F.

    Egg Tarts ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the water and sugar until completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

    Sugar syrup in a pot

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.

    Milk and egg in a bowl with a whisk

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  4. Pour in the cooled sugar syrup and vanilla extract and whisk to combine. Set aside while preparing the crust.

    Egg Tart filling whisking in a bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  5. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

    Butter and sugar in a mixing bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  6. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

    Egg and vanilla added to the sugar and butter

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  7. Mix in the flour until combined.

    Flour added to mixture

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  8. Knead the dough until it softens and becomes pliable.

    Egg Tart dough on a cutting board

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  9. Using small amounts of the dough at a time, press into the bottom and up the sides of small tart pans to form even tart shells. Trim away any excess dough that hangs over the sides.

    Tart molds lined with egg tart pastry on a small baking sheet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  10. Fill the tart shells with the egg custard. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 minutes until lightly browned. Reduce the heat to 350 F and continue to bake for 15 minutes more or until the custard is set.

    Unbaked Egg Tarts on a tray

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

  11. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tart pans. Enjoy!

    Egg Tarts

    Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

How to Store and Freeze

  • Leftover egg tarts can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
  • For longer storage, wrap cooled tarts in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months.

Are Egg Tarts Vegetarian?

Egg tarts are vegetarian since they don't contain any meat products. However, they are not vegan, since they contain dairy and eggs.