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Traditional Flan Pâtissier (French Custard Tart)

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Traditional Flan Pâtissier is a classic French custard tart featuring a silky vanilla filling baked inside a flaky puff pastry crust with a beautifully golden top. Elegant yet comforting, it is perfect served chilled or at room temperature.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 2 cups whole milk (500 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped, or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (60 g)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)

Instructions

  1. Roll out the puff pastry and press it into a 9-inch springform pan, allowing extra pastry to hang over the edges.
  2. Chill the pastry-lined pan for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove weights and bake another 5–10 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and vanilla until steaming but not boiling. Let infuse for 10 minutes.
  7. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
  8. Slowly whisk warm milk mixture into the egg mixture.
  9. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
  11. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth texture.
  12. Pour custard into the baked pastry shell and smooth the top.
  13. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
  14. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Blind baking helps keep the crust crisp.
  • Use shortcrust pastry for a firmer tart base.
  • Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
  • Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/traditional-flan-patissier-french-custard-tart/