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🐓 Portuguese · Dessert · Medium difficulty · Vegetarian

Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts

A silky Portuguese dessert built around lemon, seasoned with sheet puff pastry and egg yolks.

Prep time
18 min
Cook time
42 min
Total time
1h
Servings
8
Calories
370 kcal
Protein
9 g
Carbs
45 g
Fat
17 g
Course
Dessert

About this Portuguese dessert

Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts is a Portuguese dessert built around lemons. It takes about 1h from start to finish, 18 minutes of prep and 42 minutes of cooking, and serves 8.

Cooking method: dessert. Difficulty is rated medium. Vegetarian.

Good for: light & low calorie, party & sharing, kid friendly.

Ingredients

Quantities are for 8 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.

  • 3 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Step 1. Prepare the lemon: chop, zest or purée it as needed.

    Heat
    Off, no heat yet
    Look for
    Pieces are roughly the same size, so they all finish cooking together.
    Why it matters
    Even pieces cook at the same speed. Prepping everything first (mise en place) stops you scrambling once the pan is hot.
    Avoid
    Cutting pieces of mixed sizes: small ones burn while big ones stay raw.

  2. Step 2. Mix the sheet puff pastry, egg yolks and milk until smooth and well combined.

    Heat
    Off, no heat
    Look for
    Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
    Why it matters
    Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
    Avoid
    Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.

  3. Step 3. Fold in the lemon gently, then cook, bake or chill as the dish requires, about 25 minutes.

    Heat
    Keep the heat steady
    Look for
    The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.
    Why it matters
    Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.
    Avoid
    Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

  4. Step 4. Taste and adjust the sweetness.

    Heat
    Off, no heat
    Look for
    Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
    Why it matters
    Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
    Avoid
    Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.

  5. Step 5. Let it cool or set for at least 10 minutes.

    Heat
    Off, let it sit
    Look for
    Steam slows, juices settle and the dish firms up slightly.
    Why it matters
    Resting lets juices redistribute and flavours settle, and the food is easier to slice and eat.
    Avoid
    Skipping the rest: juices run out and the dish falls apart.

  6. Step 6. Decorate with cinnamon stick and serve.

    Heat
    Warm plates
    Look for
    Hot food on warm plates with a fresh, bright garnish on top.
    Why it matters
    Garnish adds colour, crunch and freshness. Tasting and adjusting salt or acid at the end lifts the whole dish.
    Avoid
    Waiting too long: the dish cools and crisp parts go soft.

Chef's tip

Chilling overnight improves texture.

Equipment you will need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Serving glasses or dish

Nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: 370 kcal, 9 g protein, 45 g carbohydrate and 17 g fat. Roughly 10% of the energy comes from protein, 49% from carbohydrate and 41% from fat, using standard energy values.

Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.

When to cook Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts

Substitutions and variations

  • Use plant milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Cutting sugar by 20-25% works in many bakes, though texture may change slightly.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled so the flavours come through.

Frequently asked questions about Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts

How long does Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts take to make?

It takes about 1h in total: 18 minutes of prep and 42 minutes of cooking. Times are estimates and depend on your stove, pan and how small you cut the ingredients.

How many calories are in one serving?

Each serving has about 370 kcal, with 9 g protein, 45 g carbohydrate and 17 g fat. These are estimates for the recipe's 8 servings.

Is Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts gluten-free?

It is not marked gluten-free in our data. Use certified gluten-free alternatives for any sauces or stocks if you need to avoid gluten.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, it is vegetarian: no meat, poultry or fish.

How difficult is it to cook?

It is a medium-difficulty recipe: it needs some timing and several steps, so read through the method before you start.

Can I make Portuguese Lemon Custard Tarts ahead or freeze it?

Best eaten fresh, because crisp or fresh textures do not survive storage. Prepare components ahead instead, and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

How many servings does it make?

This recipe makes 8 servings. To change the amount, scale each ingredient in proportion. The interactive app's servings control does this automatically.

More Portuguese recipes

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