How to Make Portuguese Custard Tarts

Portuguese Custard Tarts: History, Recipes & Tours

What Are Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)?

Pastéis de nata are flaky puff pastries with creamy egg custard, caramelized on top for a sweet, crispy finish.

Portuguese custard tarts are a classic Lisbon dessert. The buttery pastry holds silky egg custard with a caramelized top. Often enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon, they are a must-try for visitors. EcoTrilha Portugal Tours always includes a visit to the famous Pasteis de Belém bakery, so everyone has the chance to try this delicious treat.

Where Did Portuguese Custard Tarts Originate?

Pastéis de nata originated in 17th-century Lisbon monasteries, using leftover egg yolks from starching monks’ clothing.

Monks created these tarts in Lisbon convents using surplus egg yolks. The Jerónimos Monastery is widely recognized as their birthplace. After monasteries closed in 1834, the recipe went to a sugar refinery, leading to the first Pastéis de Belém in 1837.

What Does “Pastel de Nata” Mean?

“Pastel de nata” means “cream pastry,” referring to the custard-filled puff pastry iconic in Portugal.

• Pastel: pastry
• Nata: cream
• Plural: pasteis de nata

These terms are essential for understanding bakery menus across Portugal.

What Is the Difference Between Pastel de Nata and Pastéis de Belém?

Pastel de nata is generic; Pastéis de Belém is the original recipe from Lisbon’s Belem bakery. It is a brand! 

How Do You Order a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon?

Say: “Um pastel de nata e uma bica, por favor” to order a tart and espresso in Lisbon.

Pairing the tart with a bica (small espresso) is a classic local habit.

How Many Calories Are in a Pastel de Nata?

One pastel de nata contains roughly 250 calories, depending on butter and custard thickness.

Enjoy in moderation as a treat during food tours.

Can You Freeze Pastéis de Nata?

You can freeze them, but the puff pastry loses crispiness, and the custard texture suffers.

Freshly baked is always best. Ideal for tasting during a guided tour or bakery visit.

Where Can You Buy the Best Pastéis de Nata in Portugal?

Top spots in Lisbon: Manteigaria, Pastelaria Santo António, Nata Lisboa. Porto: Nata Lisboa, Manteigaria.

Lisbon Recommendations:

1. Manteigaria – Famous for caramelized tops
2. Pastelaria Santo Antonio – Creamy custard consistency
3. Nata Lisboa – Perfect balance of pastry and filling

Porto Recommendations:

• Nata Lisboa
• Manteigaria

Where Can You Buy Pastéis de Nata Internationally?

UK: Café de Nata | USA: Joey Bats Cafe | Australia: Round Bird – authentic Portuguese tarts abroad.

Global bakeries allow travelers to taste Portuguese tarts outside Portugal, but nothing compares to Lisbon originals.

Why Don’t We Use Vanilla in Pastéis de Nata?

Cinnamon enhances flavor and masks egg aroma, replacing vanilla in traditional recipes.

Cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic flavor, making vanilla unnecessary.

Easy Recipe for Pastéis de Nata (10 Servings)

Puff pastry, egg yolks, milk, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon create authentic Portuguese custard tarts at home.

• Three sheets of puff pastry (you can buy it in the supermarket)
• Margarine to spread the forms
• 150 gr. butter without salt

For the Cream:

• 500 ml of milk
• One lemon peel
• One cinnamon stick
• 60 gr. cake flour
• 500 gr. sugar
• 250 ml of water
• Seven egg yolks

Instructions

1. In a pan, boil the milk with a cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
2. In a mixing bowl (with the help of rods), mix the eggs and flour.
3. Add it into the pan with the previous mixture, continuously mix, and heat very slowly.
4. In another pan, boil the water and sugar for 3 minutes. After boiling and always mixing, gently put everything in the first pan and allow it to stand.
5. Meanwhile, smear the muffin cup (in aluminum, please don’t use silicon) with margarine.
6. Extend the puff pastry and butter with a kitchen roll and wrap up the most power in the cylinder. My tips: If you add more butter, the pastry will be brittle and crisp. That is optional. You can add 50 gr per sheet of puff pastry.
7. Curl the puff pastry again. Cut into 3 cm pieces and place them in the form using your thumb finger (circular movements). Press your thumb into the center of the swirl.
8. Fill each cup 3/4 of the way with custard.
9. And it takes the preheated oven at 250º C for 20 minutes.
10. Bake until the pastry is browned and bubbly, and the tops start blasting and caramelizing. Cool tarts briefly and serve warm with cinnamon powder and powdered sugar.

Pro Tip: More butter in pastry = extra crisp. Vanilla is unnecessary due to cinnamon.

Are There Gluten-Free Pastéis de Nata?

Gluten-free pastéis de nata are available in Lisbon and Porto at Pastelaria Zarzuela, Vegan Nata Chiado, and Com Cuore.

Portugal offers several gluten-free bakery options for travelers with dietary restrictions.

Where Can I Experience Pastéis de Nata on a Culinary Tour?

EcoTrilha Portugal Tours guides travelers to the best pastéis de nata bakeries in Lisbon for an authentic tasting experience.

Join EcoTrilha Portugal Tours to:

• Taste authentic tarts in Lisbon’s historic bakeries
• Learn the art of custard making during cooking classes
• Explore Lisbon’s food culture with local guides
• Enjoy comfortable accommodations, private transfers, and curated culinary experiences