Jo Pratt's Baked Portuguese Custard Tarts

Indulge in the delightful contrast of rich custard nestled within light, flaky filo pastry in these irresistible baked Portuguese custard tarts. Each bite offers a creamy sweetness, enhanced by hints of vanilla and warm spices, all encased in a perfectly crisp shell. Ideal for a cozy afternoon treat or an elegant dessert, these tarts are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at your leisure, as they maintain their charm for a day or two when stored properly.

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.

2. 2

   Place the egg yolks, caster sugar and cornflour in a non-stick saucepan and mix together.

3. 3

   Add the cream, milk and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth with a balloon whisk.

4. 4

   Place over a medium heat and cook, stirring, until the custard thickens and just comes to the boil.

5. 5

   Remove from the heat and cover the surface with clingfilm to prevent a skin forming.

6. 6

   Melt the butter in a pan and then stir in the sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.

7. 7

   Lay a sheet of filo pastry on the worktop and brush with the butter mixture.

8. 8

   Lay another sheet on top, brush with butter, and repeat the process with a third and fourth sheet.

9. 9

   Create a second stack with the four remaining filo sheets, brushing each successive layer with the butter.

10. 10

    Using a knife, cut each stack into four squares – roughly 10cm across.

11. 11

    Press each square into a hole of a deep muffin tin and spoon the cooled custard into the centres.

12. 12

    Bake for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp and the custard is beginning to become golden.

13. 13

    Leave in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

14. 14

    If you're not planning on eating all of these on the day they are cooked, they will keep fresh for a day or two, but avoid putting them in an airtight container because the pastry will go soft.

15. 15

    Keep loosely covered in a cool place, but not the fridge.