Easy custard tart recipe

With just 6 ingredients, you can make easy custard tarts to rival any bakery. Gorgeous shortcrust pastry cases are filled with silky homemade custard to make a treat that will satisfy custard lovers, young and old.

How to make an easy custard tart: key tips

Blind baking can scare off a lot of newbie bakers, but it really is pretty easy, especially when using bought shortcrust pastry. If you don’t have ceramic baking beads/beans, don’t worry, you can use uncooked rice instead and simply follow the recipe instructions. 

Making custard is also often feared, though it shouldn’t be. The key is to keep whisking as you slowly add the hot milk so that the mixture doesn’t curdle. If you have a deft hand, then making custard won’t be a problem.

At the end of the cooking time, pick up one of the tins using a tea towel or oven glove. Give it a gentle shake. If the middle of the tarts wobble slightly, they’re ready. The custard will continue to firm up as the tarts cool.

Key ingredients in this easy custard tart recipe

Shortcrust pastry makes quick work of a custard tart case, while maintaining a ‘homemade’ quality. You can always make your own shortcrust pastry to use, or buy ready-made pastry cases if you’re really short on time.

Eggs, vanilla extract, milk and caster sugar are the ingredients for a basic vanilla custard, and this custard isn’t overly sweet. If you prefer your custard sweeter, then simply add up to another tablespoon of sugar.

Ground nutmeg, sprinkled on top, really adds to the flavour of a custard tart. A little goes a long way, so sprinkle sparingly.

If you’re a custard fan, like me, you’ll also adore these 100 recipes for custard lovers. I also can’t stop making this custard sponge.

This recipe was originally submitted by alicej243, a member of the Australia’s Best Recipe community. Introduction and additional recipe notes by Natasha Shaw.