Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart is a beloved traditional dessert that represents British baking at its finest. It features a buttery shortcrust pastry with a smooth, creamy custard inside. This treat is perfect for tea time or any special event. The blend of a crisp pastry and gentle custard, made from eggs, milk, and sugar, is often topped with nutmeg or icing sugar.
This classic recipe is at the centre of many joyful events, ready to impress your guests or treat yourself. If you’re eager to bake this enduring sweet, the full recipe and steps are found here. The Egg Custard Tart not only delights the senses but brings a sense of warmth and comfort to all who try it.
Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart is a true British classic. People love it for its simple joy and homey flavours. It comes from a long line of traditional recipes, passed down through families. The tart combines a crunchy pastry with smooth custard filling perfectly.
What Makes This Tart a British Classic?
This tart is more than just a dessert in Britain. It’s a key part of family events, bringing back good memories. It shines in British cooking by turning basic ingredients into something special. Its rich history and easy steps invite everyone to try baking it.
The Timeless Appeal of Egg Custard Tarts
Mary Berry updates this classic tart, making it even better. It needs 6 large egg yolks, for creaminess and richness. Each piece has about 210 calories and 12g of fat, offering a sweet treat. Bakers can also try almond milk for a vegan version while keeping its original charm.
Making this tart requires a gentle hand. The custard starts with 100g of sugar and 250ml of full-fat milk. It’s the flexibility of the recipe that adds to its allure, allowing bakers to add personal touches. For those interested, the full recipe and more can be found by visiting the recipe source.
Ingredients for the Perfect Tart
Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart is a perfect mix of flavours and textures. When making this recipe, it’s vital to choose the right ingredients.
Shortcrust Pastry Essentials
The shortcrust pastry needs to be rich and flaky. For this, you’ll need:
225g of plain flour
150g of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
25g of caster sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 large egg
A pinch of salt
These ingredients ensure a strong crust. It will hold the custard filling well and taste good.
The Creamy Custard Filling Ingredients
For the creamy custard filling, you will need:
350ml of whole milk, warmed
2 large egg yolks and 1 whole egg
25g of caster sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Every item is key to the custard’s creamy taste. Gather these and get ready to bake something delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart
Making Mary Berry’s egg custard tart is a step-by-step journey. It’s all about precision from the first step to the last. Carefully follow these steps for a delicious dessert. You’ll enjoy the rich taste of this British delight.
Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
First, get your ingredients ready for the shortcrust pastry preparation. Mix flour, butter, and sugar until they look like breadcrumbs. Add an egg yolk and some cold water to form a dough. Chill it for 30 minutes to make it better.
Blind Baking the Pastry
Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the pastry and snugly fit it into a 23cm tart tin. Trim the excess pastry. Line it with parchment and fill it with baking beans for shape. Blind bake for 20 minutes for a crisp, golden base.
Creating the Custard Filling
Now for the custard making. Blend eggs and sugar until smooth. Mix in warm milk and vanilla while stirring. Strain this for a smooth texture then pour into the pastry shell.
Baking the Tart to Perfection
Put the filled tart back in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, when the custard is just set. Let it cool completely before you slice. The custard will set perfectly.
Nutrition per Serving
Value
Calories
220
Total Fat
14g
Saturated Fat
7g
Cholesterol
105mg
Sodium
90mg
Total Carbohydrates
18g
Dietary Fiber
0g
Sugars
10g
Protein
4g
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Baking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
8 tarts
Storage
Room temperature for up to 2 days; Refrigerate for longer; Freeze for up to 1 month
Recommended Serving Temperature
Warm
Optimal Freezing Portions
8-10 people per tart
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Enjoy the many ways to serve a lovely egg custard tart. Whether it’s making your tart look prettier or adding new flavours, looking at different ways to serve and vary the recipe is key for a great experience.
Garnishing Your Tart
To make your tart look more appealing, try these easy dessert garnishes. You can use:
Freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic touch
A dusting of icing sugar to create a fine finish
Candied orange slices for vibrant colour and texture
Pomegranate arils for a burst of flavour
Meringue kisses to add an elegant touch
Pairing with Accompaniments
The creamy tastiness of the tart pairs well with various sides. Pairing it with the right accompaniment can enhance the flavour and add texture. Why not try:
Fresh berries, which offer a juicy contrast
A dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess
A scoop of vanilla ice cream to enrich the dessert experience
Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe
If you’re up for experimentation, you can try lots of creative changes to the traditional egg custard tart. Some popular twists include:
Incorporating flavours like lemon or blood orange for a zesty profile
Adding cocoa powder to create a luscious chocolate custard
Integrating seasonal fruits, with nearly half of tart recipes featuring this component
Exploring a festive twist with holiday-inspired flavours, appealing to diverse palettes
These ideas refresh the classic and cater to everyone’s taste, making sure each event features an outstanding dessert.
Feature
Details
Average Star Rating
4.3 out of 5
Highest Star Rating
5 out of 5
Most Common Star Rating
4.5 out of 5
Number of Recipes with 5-Star Rating
4 out of 19
Percentage of Recipes with Seasonal Fruits
47%
Quickest Recipe Preparation Time
10 minutes
Conclusion
The Mary BerryEgg Custard Tart recipe is a classic British dessert. It combines smooth custard with a crisp pastry shell. This treat brings a piece of history into modern kitchens.
The process may look hard because the custard must not be runny. But with some practice, anyone can make it in less than two hours.
This dessert uses fewer than ten ingredients. It’s perfect for bakers at any level. It impresses at afternoon teas or as the star of a dinner. Plus, it’s a great base for those who want to add their own twist.
Mary Berry’s trusted methods and the simple egg custard recipe make it a desert classic. It offers joy in every slice. For those who love British and French desserts, try this French Raspberry Tart recipe as well.
FAQ
What is Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart known for?
Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart is famous for its amazing mix. It has a buttery shortcrust pastry and a smooth, creamy custard inside. This dessert is a top pick in Britain, loved by people of all ages.
How do I make the shortcrust pastry for the tart?
Start with 250g of plain flour sifted and add 125g of cold cubed butter and 50g of caster sugar. Rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. Then, mix in one egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to make the dough. Don’t forget to chill it before you roll it out.
Can I substitute ingredients in the custard filling?
Indeed! Feel free to try new flavours in the custard. For a fresh touch, add lemon zest. Or mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Raspberry or mango custards are colourful and tasty options too.
What temperature should I bake the tart at?
Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for baking the tart. Begin by blind baking the pastry for 20 minutes. After that, add the custard and bake for another 25-30 minutes. Do this until the custard sets.
How can I enhance the presentation of the tart?
To make your Egg Custard Tart look better, add freshly grated nutmeg or sprinkle some icing sugar on top. Serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream for extra charm.
What occasions is the Egg Custard Tart suitable for?
This tart is great for teatime, family get-togethers, or any special event. It offers a comforting taste and looks elegant. So, it’s wonderful for both big celebrations and everyday snacks.
How should I store leftover tart?
Store any leftover tart in the fridge, covering it well. It tastes best if eaten within 2-3 days. For a better taste, let it come to room temperature before you enjoy it.
