Pastel de Belém (Portuguese Custard Tart)

Step 1

Set the oven to 425°F and wait until the indicator light tells you it has finished heating, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, about 3 minutes—do not let it boil.

Step 3

While the milk heats, put the egg yolks and sugar into a medium bowl and whisk with a fork until the mixture looks pale yellow and thick, about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Sprinkle the cornstarch into the egg mixture and whisk until no lumps remain, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Pour the custard back into the saucepan and place it over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the custard from heat and stir in the cinnamon until evenly mixed, about 20 seconds. Let it cool for 2 minutes.

Step 8

Lay one phyllo sheet flat on a clean work surface, then brush the entire top surface with melted butter using a pastry brush.

Step 9

Layer 2 more phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with melted butter between layers, creating a 3-sheet stack.

Step 10

Cut the phyllo stack into 6 equal squares using a sharp knife, cutting straight down through all layers.

Step 11

Press each phyllo square gently into a muffin cup of a standard muffin tin, letting the corners point upward above the rim.

Step 12

Repeat steps 8–11 with the remaining 3 phyllo sheets and melted butter to fill all 12 muffin cups.

Step 13

Spoon the cooled custard into each phyllo cup until two-thirds full, dividing evenly among all 12 tarts.

Step 14

Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake until the phyllo edges are deep golden brown, about 8 minutes. Watch carefully—phyllo browns quickly.

Step 15

Remove the tin from the oven and let the tarts cool in the tin for 3 minutes, then carefully lift each one out using a small fork and place on a wire rack to cool completely, about 5 minutes.