Mary Berry is a British baker and cookbook author who has been sharing her delicious recipes for years. One of her most popular dessert recipes is the egg custard tart, which is a classic British dessert. The recipe uses a shortcrust pastry crust and a creamy custard filling flavored with nutmeg.
To make the Mary Berry egg custard tart, you will need a few simple ingredients, including eggs, milk, sugar, and nutmeg. The recipe is easy to follow and takes only a few minutes to prepare. The result is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are a fan of Mary Berry or simply love egg custard tarts, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it is the perfect dessert to make for any occasion. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself just how delicious it can be?
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
The following table lists the ingredients you’ll need to make the Mary Berry’s egg custard tart:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain flour | 225g |
| Caster sugar | 25g |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | 150g |
| Large egg yolks | 2 |
| Whole large egg | 1 |
| Full-fat milk | 350ml |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | Freshly grated |
Time needed: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Steps to Make Mary Berry’s Egg Custard Tart
- Prep Your Equipment and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6). Roll out the chilled pastry dough and line a 23cm tart tin. Use baking parchment to line the pastry and fill with baking beans.
- Blind Bake the Pastry
Place the tart tin in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes to dry out the base.
- Make the Custard Filling
In a saucepan, heat 350ml full-fat milk with 1 tsp vanilla extract until just boiling. In a bowl, whisk 1 whole large egg, 2 large egg yolks, and 25g caster sugar. Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Fill the Tart
Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked pastry case. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top to cover the custard.
- Bake the Tart
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is just set but still wobbly in the center.
- Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool completely before removing it from the tin. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry’s Custard Tart Recipe
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor. The combination of full-fat milk, eggs, and vanilla extract creates a custard that’s both rich and creamy.
- Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Spice. With just the right amount of caster sugar and freshly grated nutmeg, this tart strikes the right balance between sweetness and the warm spice of nutmeg.
- Simple Ingredients. This recipe requires basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, making it accessible anytime you’re in the mood for a classic dessert.
- Easy to Prepare. Mary Berry’s custard tart is surprisingly easy to make — even less experienced bakers can make this.
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Variations and Substitutions for Mary Berry’s Custard Tart Recipe
Gluten-Free Crust
To make this tart gluten-free, swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Check the blend works like wheat flour. Sometimes, adding a little xanthan gum helps it hold together better.
Dairy Alternatives
For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant milk instead of full-fat milk. Almond, soy, or oat milk can work well, but they might change the flavor a bit.
Egg-Free Custard
If you need to avoid eggs, try a vegan custard powder or a mix of cornstarch and plant milk to thicken your filling. You’ll need to experiment to get the right consistency.
Vanilla Bean Instead of Extract
For a more intense vanilla flavor, scrape out a vanilla bean pod and use it instead of vanilla extract. It adds little specks of vanilla seeds to your custard for a gourmet touch.
Spice It Up
Besides nutmeg, you can try cinnamon or allspice for a different flavor. Just a pinch can change the taste.
Sugar Adjustments
If you want less sugar, reduce the caster sugar in the custard by a small amount. Or try a sugar substitute like erythritol or a liquid sweetener, but be mindful of how it might affect the texture.
Pairing Suggestions
Fresh Berries
A handful of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, adds a burst of color and a tangy contrast to the creamy custard.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of softly whipped cream on top of each slice brings a light, airy texture and a touch of sweetness that complements the rich custard perfectly.
Coffee or Tea
This tart and a hot cup of coffee or tea are perfect together. It’s cozy, comforting, and just what you need for a chill afternoon.
Dessert Wines
If you’re feeling fancy, sip on some sweet dessert wine with your tart. These wines can enhance the flavors of the custard tart.
Nuts
A scattering of toasted almonds or hazelnuts adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that goes nicely with the smooth custard.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Custard Tart recipe offers a straightforward way to bake a classic dessert. With its creamy filling and flaky pastry, it’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses basic ingredients and provides reliable results, making it a go-to choice for both casual and special events.