Crustless Custard Tart

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🥧 Crustless Custard Tart

📖 Description

Crustless Custard Tart is a smooth, creamy baked dessert made without pastry, allowing the rich custard flavor to shine. Light yet indulgent, it’s perfect for those who want a gluten-free, lower-carb, or simpler alternative to traditional custard tarts. With a silky texture and gently set center, it works beautifully as a dessert, tea-time treat, or elegant finish to a meal.

🧾 Ingredients

Serves: 6

  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk

  • 3 large eggs

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (or custard powder)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing pan)

  • Optional: nutmeg or cinnamon for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish or tart pan with butter.

  2. Warm the milk gently in a saucepan until just steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat.

  3. Whisk eggs and sugar in a bowl until pale and slightly thick.

  4. Add cornstarch and salt, whisking until smooth.

  5. Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

  6. Stir in vanilla extract.

  7. Strain mixture (optional but recommended) for extra smoothness.

  8. Pour into prepared dish and lightly sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon if desired.

  9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.

  10. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

📝 Notes

  • The custard will continue to set as it cools.

  • A slight wobble in the center means a creamy texture—not underbaked.

  • Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use room-temperature eggs to avoid lumps.

  • Bake in a water bath (place dish in a pan of hot water) for an ultra-smooth finish.

  • Avoid overbaking—this can cause cracking or a rubbery texture.

  • For flavor variations, add lemon zest, almond extract, or coconut milk.

🍽 Servings

  • Yield: 6 slices

  • Serving Size: 1 slice

🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~180 kcal

  • Protein: 7 g

  • Carbohydrates: 22 g

  • Sugar: 18 g

  • Fat: 7 g

  • Calcium: ~20% DV

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Gluten-free (no crust)

  • Good source of protein and calcium

  • Lower in fat than traditional custard tarts with pastry

  • Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach

  • Customizable for low-sugar or dairy-free diets

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Substitute milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk (full-fat works best).

Q: Why is my custard watery?
A: It may be underbaked or sliced before fully cooled. Chill before cutting.

Q: Can I reduce sugar?
A: Yes. Reduce by up to 25% or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as custard texture may become grainy.

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