Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (2024)

Desserts

by

Emma

-

11th January 2020

The egg custard tart is an old favourite here in the UK. A tart filled with a lovely creamy filling wrapped in a sweet shortcrust pastry.

One day my partner said to me, “Do you know what I really miss? Egg custard”. It has been over 5 years since we last had one. He said, “Please veganise it for me”. My challenge was set and I can honestly say I’ve done it.

When I first took a bite, I was amazed. I said to my partner “Its egg custard”, I took a second bite, with more excitement I said, “It’s egg custard” and this continued with every mouthwatering bite.

As I took each bite memories came flooding back from childhood days. I remember walking into the shop being asked to choose a cake. My eyes would sparkle as I stared at the egg custard on the shelf and I would happily pick up the little custard tart. Once I had my tea, I would go to the fridge and grab my little egg custard. I would sit at the table and nibble the edges, then I would grab a teaspoon and scoop out the filling, leaving the pastry till last. I would make every mouthwatering bite last as long as I could.

Since sharing the recipe on social media I have been wowed by the response. People have been telling me their stories of fond childhood memories with their grandparents, going to the bakery to buy an egg custard. It has made me so happy that I have been able to bring back such fond memories. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. I would love to know what you think if it is the egg custard you remember. Please comment below.

Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (1)

Vegan “Egg” Custard Tart

Recipe by EmmaCourse: Dessert

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour

Ingredients

  • 349g Block of Silken Tofu

  • 100g Caster Sugar

  • 2 Tsp of Vanilla Extract

  • 500ml Soya Milk

  • 2 Tbsp Custard Powder ( See notes)

  • Nutmeg

  • 1/2 Tsp Black Salt (See below for where to buy)

  • Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

  • EDIT* add 1-2 tbsp to a tbsp of cornstarch (depends on how firm your would like it)

Directions

  • Preparing the pastry
  • Using a deep pie tin, line the tin with plant-based butter. Place the pastry into the tin and prick the bottom with a fork to ensure it doesn’t bubble.
  • Using a fork indent the edge to create the crust. Place the tin into the freezer for around 15 minutes. (See notes)
  • Blind Baking the Pastry
  • Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 6, 400F 200C
  • Remove the pastry out of the freezer. Line the inside of the pastry with greaseproof paper and weigh down with ceramic beads. (See notes)
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the beads and greaseproof paper, bake for a further 5 minutes.
  • Making the filling
  • Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4, 350F, 177C
  • Start by blending your Silken Tofu. I used an immersion blender, you can also mash the tofu with a fork. Once done place to one side.
  • In a saucepan, place in 2 tbsp of custard powder, using a little bit of the milk make it into a paste. On a low heat slowly adding the remainder of the milk, keep whisking to ensure you get no lumps ( you are only warming it through, we dont want to cook it).
  • In a mixing bowl, add your tofu, whisk in your caster sugar, then add the custard and whisk, add the vanilla, cornstarch and black salt. Give a final whisk.
  • Add the filling to the pastry case and sprinkle with nutmeg. Place into the oven for around 45 minutes. (It will have a wobble to it when you remove it from the oven, the custard sets fully once cooled.)
  • Once done, leave on the side to cool for around 2 hours before serving, for best results leave in the fridge overnight. This helps the filling to fully set.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • By placing the pastry into the freezer it will prevent the pastry from shortening during baking.
  • If you don’t have any ceramic beads. You could use tin foil, you need to make sure it’s inserted firmly. Another option is to use pennies.
  • The tofu doesn’t need to be pressed. You are looking for a creamy texture.
  • I used Birds custard powder.
  • I used soya milk as it tends to thicken nicely. You could try other milks but I can’t guarantee the flavour will be the same or it will set the same.

Shopping

Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (2)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (3) Rani Black Salt (Kala Namak) Net Wt. 5oz (142g)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (4)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (5)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (6) Birds Custard Powder – 300gVegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (7)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (8)Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (9) Braun MultiQuick 1 MQ100 Soup Hand Blender – WhiteVegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (10)

Vegan "Egg" Custard Tart - Really Simple Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between egg tart and custard tart? ›

The egg tart (traditional Chinese: 蛋撻; simplified Chinese: 蛋挞; Cantonese Yale: daahn tāat; pinyin: dàntǎ) is a kind of custard tart found in Chinese cuisine derived from the English custard tart and Portuguese pastel de nata. The dish consists of an outer pastry crust filled with egg custard.

What is a vegan egg substitute for custard? ›

But it really shines as an egg replacer in creamy and custardy baked goods like puddings and pies! Cornstarch, being a thickener, yields a viscous, eggy substance when mixed with water in the right proportion. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons of liquid for every egg you need to replace.

Are egg custard tarts good for you? ›

Nutrition of an egg tart

Both pastries are unhealthy due to their high calorie and sugar content. I would only recommend having egg tarts once in a while and to limit [it] to no more than one each time,” Ng said.

What is the difference between custard tart and flan? ›

The flan can be compared to Portuguese pastel de nata or a British custard tart. It can be personalized by adding caramel, coconut, or even chocolate. Custard tarts or flans pâtissier are a baked pastry consisting of an outer pastry crust filled with egg custard.

Is pastel de nata the same as egg custard tart? ›

Instead of a short, crumbly pastry, the pastel de nata has a crisp, slightly salty, layered crust; and, rather than the firm, egg-rich fillings of the classic British or French custard tart, the filling is almost molten, and spiced with cinnamon and lemon zest, as opposed to our peppery nutmeg or sweet vanilla.

Are egg tarts Chinese or Portuguese? ›

The egg tart (traditional Chinese: 蛋撻; simplified Chinese: 蛋挞; Cantonese Yale: daahn tāat; pinyin: dàntǎ) is a kind of custard tart found in Chinese cuisine, derived from the English custard tart and Portuguese pastel de nata. The dish consists of an outer pastry crust filled with egg custard.

Which vegan milk is best for custard? ›

Plant milk: we use soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk to make a low-fat vegan custard. We use coconut milk to make a richer, full-fat one. Cornstarch: we use it as a thickening agent. We find this hard to replace.

Why is butter not vegan? ›

Traditional butter is made with churned milk or cream, which usually comes from cows (but it can also come from other animals like goats), and that's why it's not vegan. Many people also use margarine, which is similar to butter in texture and color, but it's usually made with plant-based fat instead of animal fat.

Can you eat out of date egg custard tarts? ›

Food that has passed its best before date is safe to eat. Best before should be considered a rough guide rather than a strict rule. There is no reason to throw away food that goes past its best before date, it is perfectly safe to eat and will often taste just as good.

Can a diabetic eat a custard tart? ›

People with diabetes can eat custard, but they should be mindful of the amount they consume and the ingredients used to make the custard. Custard is a sweet dessert made with milk, sugar, and eggs, and sometimes additional flavorings such as vanilla or nutmeg.

Why does my custard tart taste eggy? ›

But when you overcook a custard, suddenly the connection is very, very clear. A nasty eggy taste takes up residence and won't go away. That's likely the result of heat breaking down the protein components cysteine and methionine to release sulphur, says Crosby.

What is Portugal custard tart called? ›

Pastel de nata (Portuguese: [pɐʃˈtɛl dɨ ˈnatɐ]; pl. : pastéis de nata; Portuguese: [pɐʃˈtɐjʒ ðɨ-])) or pastel de Belém is a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, optionally dusted with cinnamon.

Is crème brûlée made from custard? ›

At its most basic, crème brûlée is a creamy, pudding-like, baked custard with a brittle top of melted sugar that cracks when you gently tap it with a spoon. The custard is made with heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.

What is the difference between a custard tart and a Portuguese custard tart? ›

British tarts use the less flavoursome shortcrust pastry, which doesn't provide as much textural contrast with the smooth custard. They are also topped with nutmeg, which fails to bring the custard alive as Portugal's cinnamon does. Worse, they are now almost all mass-produced with palm oil-based pastry.

What are the two types of egg tarts? ›

There are two kinds of egg tart you might be familiar with and the difference is the pastry. One kind is a flaky buttery pastry style which melts in the mouth and the other kind has a shortcrust cookie style pastry and it is the latter which I am sharing with you today.

What are the two types of tarts? ›

Today, tarts are enjoyed around the world, and there are many different variations. Common fillings for sweet tarts include fruit, custard, and cream, while savory tarts are typically filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

What is the real name of custard tarts? ›

Pastel de nata
The typical appearance of the pastel de nata in Lisbon, Portugal
Alternative namesPastel de Belém Pastries of Bethlehem 葡撻 (Cantonese)
Variationsegg tart, custard tart
Food energy (per serving)c. 300 per 100 grams (3.5 oz) kcal
Media: Pastel de nata
6 more rows

What is a custard tart called? ›

Pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, with their signature flaky crust and sweet custard filling are world-famous, and incredibly delicious.

References

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