Egg Custard Tart (English)

Baked Egg Custard Tart is an all-time classic British food. As a child I have fond memories of my mum baking Egg Custard Tarts for Sunday tea. A Baked Egg Custard Tart is so quick and easy to make and is delicious eaten slightly warm, with a delicately wobbly centre or left to go cold when the tart will be more firm. At home we always called this tart an Egg Custard but you will also hear it called Custard Tart, Custard Pie, or Baked Egg Custard. The baked egg custard can be served as part of an afternoon tea, simply with a cup of tea or coffee and also makes a lovely pudding.

6 oz all-purpose flour, unbleached (150 g)
pinch sea salt
3 oz butter or an equal mix of butter and lard, cubed (75 g)
2-3 Tbsp. cold water
3 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 oz caster sugar (55 g)
1 pt light cream (570 mL)
¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract
½ tsp. whole nutmeg, freshly grated

Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C, Gas Mark 7).

Make the Pastry:
Place the flour, butter and salt into a large clean bowl. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, working as quickly as possible to prevent the dough becoming warm. Add the water to the mixture and using a cold knife stir until the dough binds together, add more cold water a tsp. at a time if the mixture is too dry. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.

For the Filling:
Gently roll the pastry and line a 1½" (4 cm) deep, x 7" (18 cm) base tart tin. Be careful not to over stretch the pastry whilst rolling or it may crack in the oven. Brush the pastry all over with a little of the beaten egg. This will help seal the pastry during cooking. Place the pastry in the fridge while you make the filling.

In a large bowl beat the eggs and egg yolks lightly with the sugar.

Warm the cream to a gentle simmer, then pour slowly over the beaten eggs, stirring constantly. Be careful not to overheat the cream or it will curdle the eggs. Add the vanilla extract if you are using.

Pour the egg and cream mixture through a sieve into the pastry case. Sprinkle over the grated nutmeg.

Place the tart onto a baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 10 minutes to brown the pastry.

Lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4) and continue cooking for a further 20 minutes or until the custard is set.