Flan Pâtissier: A Delicious French Custard Tart at home

 Flan Pâtissier

Flan Pâtissier, also known as French Custard Tart, is a classic French dessert that is popular all over the world. It is a creamy custard filling that is baked in a pastry crust. The tart is light, creamy, and delicately sweet, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. In this article, we will discuss the history of Flan Pâtissier, how to make it, and some tips for creating a perfect tart.

History of Flan Pâtissier

Flan Pâtissier has been a staple in French cuisine for centuries. The word “flan” comes from the Latin word “flado,” which means flat cake. The tart originated in ancient Rome and was later adopted by the French. The traditional recipe calls for a simple custard made from eggs, milk, and sugar, baked in a pastry crust. Over time, variations of the recipe emerged, and today there are many different versions of Flan Pâtissier.

Ingredients

To make Flan Pâtissier, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pastry Crust

• 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons of ice water
• For the Custard Filling
• 3 cups of milk
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Pastry Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar.
3. Add the chilled and cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg yolk and ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan.
6. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, and trim the edges.
7. Place the pastry crust in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the pastry crust from the refrigerator and prick the bottom with a fork.
9. Bake the pastry crust for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

For the Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Pour the custard mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the custard from the heat and pour it into the baked pastry crust.
6. Smooth out the top of the custard with a spatula.
7. Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes or until the custard is set.
8. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
9. Once cooled, refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for Creating a Perfect Flan Pâtissier

1. Use a high-quality vanilla extract. The vanilla extract is an important ingredient in this recipe, so make sure to use a good quality extract for the best flavor.
2. Don’t overcook the custard. Overcooking