Why You’ll Love This Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart?
There’s something undeniably comforting about tarts, and the Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart is one that delivers just the right balance of richness and lightness. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this tart is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. With a smooth, creamy custard filling made with sweetened condensed milk, full cream milk, eggs, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting.
The beauty of this tart lies not just in its flavor, but in its simplicity. The recipe uses just a few pantry staples to create something that feels indulgent and luxurious. The custard filling is rich, silky, and melts in your mouth, while the pre-made tart crust provides the perfect balance of crispiness. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make, looks impressive, and will have your guests coming back for more.
What’s more, this custard tart can be easily customized. You can add citrus zest for a fresh twist or top it with berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to elevate its flavor. Whether you choose to serve it at a dinner party, bring it to a potluck, or simply enjoy it with a cup of tea, this Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart will quickly become a go-to dessert in your collection.
What You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart are straightforward, with everything you need readily available at your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this simple yet luxurious dessert.
For the Tart:
- 1 pre-made tart crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup full cream milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish:
- Freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Equipment:
- A 9-inch tart pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart is incredibly easy, thanks to its straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (325°F). This temperature is perfect for baking the tart without overcooking the custard filling. A moderate heat ensures that the custard sets properly while giving the crust enough time to crisp up.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Crust
If you’re using a store-bought tart crust, simply place it in a 9-inch tart pan. Be sure to press the edges gently to ensure that the crust fits neatly into the pan. If you’re making your own tart crust, prepare it ahead of time, blind-bake it until golden, and let it cool slightly before filling. If the crust is pre-baked, give it a quick 5-minute bake at 160°C to ensure it’s crisp and ready for the custard filling.
Step 3: Make the Custard Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, full cream milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and fully combined. It’s important that the mixture is free from lumps, as this ensures that your custard filling is silky and smooth when it bakes.
The nutmeg and cinnamon add a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard, but feel free to adjust the amounts or experiment with different spices, like ginger or allspice, to create a flavor profile you love.
Step 4: Pour the Custard into the Crust
Once your custard mixture is ready, pour it into the pre-baked tart shell. Pour gently to avoid splashing and to ensure the custard fills the tart shell evenly. Give the tart pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles and to make sure the custard is distributed evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Tart
Carefully place the tart into the preheated oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard has set but is still slightly wobbly in the center. The custard will continue to firm up as it cools. A good way to test doneness is to gently shake the tart pan. If the custard wobbles slightly in the center but is set around the edges, it’s done.
Be careful not to overbake the tart, as this could cause the custard to become too firm and lose its creamy texture.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, place the tart in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the custard fully set. Chilling the tart helps it maintain its velvety texture and makes it easier to slice.
Before serving, you can garnish the tart with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor. For an indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips for success:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and milk, is key to creating a smooth custard. Cold ingredients can cause the custard to curdle or not incorporate well, which affects the texture of the filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the tart as it bakes. The custard should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, so it’s better to underbake slightly than to risk overbaking.
- Let the Tart Cool Completely: After baking, allow the tart to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. This helps the custard set without losing its smooth texture.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg will enhance the flavor of your custard and give it a richer, more aromatic taste. If you have a spice grinder, it’s worth grinding the spices yourself.
- Make Sure Your Tart Crust is Even: If you’re using a pre-made tart shell, make sure it fits snugly in the tart pan and is evenly pressed along the edges. This ensures that the custard stays contained during baking.
Variations to Try
While this Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart is delicious as is, there are several ways you can personalize it to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are a few variations to try:
- Citrus Infusion: Add a tablespoon of citrus zest—lemon, lime, or orange—to the custard mixture for a refreshing citrusy note. The tangy zest complements the sweetness of the condensed milk and adds a bright flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, try melting a bit of dark or milk chocolate and whisking it into the custard mixture before baking. The result is a rich, decadent chocolate custard filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Berry Topping: Add a colorful touch to your tart by topping it with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The berries’ slight tartness contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard, and their vibrant color makes the tart look even more enticing.
- Toasted Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts on top of the custard before baking. The nuts will provide a lovely crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs well with the spices in the custard.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking and cooling the tart, drizzle it with a rich caramel sauce for a luxurious finishing touch. The sweet caramel adds a delightful contrast to the creamy custard and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart can be stored and enjoyed for several days, provided you store it correctly.
- Storing: Keep the tart covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The tart will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Be sure to store it in a cool area to maintain the custard’s creamy texture.
- Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the tart warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat it, as the custard could become too runny. Alternatively, you can place the whole tart in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 5–10 minutes for a more even reheat.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the custard after it has been baked, you can freeze the tart shell beforehand. To do so, simply assemble the crust and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, fill it with the custard and bake fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different crust for the tart? Yes, you can experiment with other crusts such as graham cracker crust, shortbread crust, or even a cookie-based crust. Just be sure that the crust is pre-baked to prevent it from becoming soggy when the custard is added.
2. Can I make this without the spices? Absolutely! If you prefer a plain custard tart, simply leave out the nutmeg and cinnamon. You could even add a different flavor profile, such as almond extract or orange zest, if you’d like to experiment.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! You can substitute the full cream milk with a plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just ensure you also use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute to keep the custard creamy and sweet.
4. How can I tell when the tart is done baking? The custard will look set around the edges and slightly wobbly in the center. If you gently shake the tart and the center still jiggles, it’s done. Avoid overbaking, as the custard will continue to set once it cools.
The Final Word
The Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart is a simple yet impressive dessert that combines a buttery, crisp crust with a rich and creamy custard filling. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetened condensed milk and full cream milk base.
This tart is versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit any preference. Whether you add fresh fruit, caramel, or chocolate, it’s a dessert that’s sure to delight. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes. So go ahead—bake this Velvety Condensed Milk Custard Tart for your next gathering, and enjoy a slice of pure indulgence.