⭐️ Homemade Custard Tart (French Flan Pâtissier)
If you love creamy desserts with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a golden caramelized top, this Homemade Custard Tart is a classic you need to try. Also known as Flan Pâtissier in France, this traditional bakery-style dessert features a buttery pastry crust filled with rich vanilla custard that sets perfectly as it bakes. The result? A smooth, thick, and luxurious custard encased in a delicate crust — pure comfort with every bite.
This recipe is simple to make, uses just a few basic ingredients, and delivers professional bakery results right at home. Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, weekend baking, and holidays!
🛒 Ingredients (6 to 8 servings)
- 1 shortcrust pastry (or puff pastry)
- 1 liter whole milk
- 200 g sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 100 g cornstarch (such as Maizena)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 30 g butter (optional — adds extra creaminess and shine)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Line a tart pan with the pastry, press gently into the edges, and prick the base with a fork. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk. Split the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds inside, and add both pod and seeds to the milk (or add vanilla extract instead). Bring to a gentle boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add the cornstarch to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Remove vanilla pod from the hot milk, then gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on medium heat, whisking continuously, until thick and creamy — like pastry cream.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter if using.
- Pour the custard filling into the chilled pastry shell and smooth the top.
- Bake 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the custard set perfectly.
✅ Tips for the Perfect Custard Tart
- Use whole milk for the richest texture
- Don’t skip chilling before cutting — it ensures clean slices
- For deeper flavor, let the vanilla bean infuse in the milk for 10 minutes before mixing
- Dust with powdered sugar or add a thin caramel glaze for bakery-style finish
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This classic tart is delicious served:
- With fresh berries
- With a cup of tea or coffee
- With a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
- Simply chilled on its own — perfection!
🌡️ Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Do not freeze — it can affect the custard texture
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Authentic French bakery taste
✔ Silky smooth and creamy texture
✔ Simple ingredients you already have at home
✔ Stunning dessert without complicated techniques
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