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A tray of freshly baked egg tarts with golden edges and smooth, jiggly centers.

Crispy & Soft Egg Tarts – Easy Fail-Proof Recipe

Czarryy
These egg tarts are golden, flaky, and deliciously creamy on the inside! This simple, beginner-friendly recipe uses an air fryer or oven, paper cups, and pantry staples—no complicated techniques required. After over 60 tries, this version delivers crisp, buttery tart shells with a silky smooth custard filling. Perfect for a sweet treat anytime!
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork & spatula/scraper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Muffin pan or foil cups
  • Oven or air fryer
  • Fine sieve
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Microwave (for heating cream mixture)

Ingredients
  

Tart Shell

  • 100g cake flour (approx. 1 cup)
  • 50g unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 10g sugar (1 tbsp)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 20g cold water (2 tbsp)

Custard Filling

  • 3–4 egg yolks
  • 100g whipping cream (½ cup)
  • 100g milk (½ cup)
  • 50g sugar (5 tbsp)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare Tart Dough

  • First Sift flour, then add sugar, and salt into a bowl.
  • Add cold butter cubes. Cover it with a cling wrap and refrigrate for 30 minutes.
  • Use a spatula or scraper to cut butter into flour until pea-sized.
  • Rub gently with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Make a well in the center, add cold water, and gently mix with a fork.
  • Press with a spatula until dough comes together.
  • Shape into a log, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prepare Egg Custard

  • Combine milk and whipping cream, microwave for 1 minute until warm.
  • Stir in sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until dissolved.
  • In a separate bowl, beat yolks gently. Slowly add warm cream mixture into yolks while stirring (avoid bubbles).
  • Strain the mixture through a sieve for a smooth texture. Set aside.

Shape & Assemble

  • Divide dough into 6 pieces.
  • Press each piece into a mold (muffin pan or foil cup).
  • Ensure dough is evenly thin and without cracks. Prick bottoms with a fork.
  • Stir filling once more and fill tart shells up to 90% full.

Baking Instructions

  • Oven Method
    Preheat oven to 190°C (374°F) for 10 minutes.
    Bake for 30–35 minutes or until edges are golden and the bottom is crisp.
  • Air Fryer Method
    Preheat air fryer at 170°C (338°F) for 5 minutes.
    Bake tarts at 170°C for 20 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.

Cooling & Serving

  • Let tarts cool for 5 minutes in mold. Carefully remove using a fork or knife.
    Serve warm. Best enjoyed freshly baked with a crispy crust and creamy center!

Notes

Storage Tips

  • Leftovers? Wrap and freeze.
  • Reheat at 180°C for 7 minutes in air fryer or oven for fresh taste.
Keyword easy custard tart, easy egg tart recipe, egg tart