Hong Kong Egg Tarts are a beloved pastry featuring a flaky crust filled with a smooth, creamy egg custard. These delightful treats are popular in dim sum restaurants and are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Egg Custard Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Timing

Making Hong Kong Egg Tarts takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Egg Custard Filling

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add Dairy: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut and Shape: Use a round cutter to cut out circles and press them into a muffin tin or tart molds, ensuring the crusts go up the sides.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

1. Fill Tarts: Pour the egg custard filling into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Hong Kong Egg Tarts (per tart, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	7g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of almond extract or a hint of lemon zest to the custard for added flavor.
• Topping Options: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Crust Alternatives: For a quicker version, use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the crust from scratch.

Conclusion

Hong Kong Egg Tarts are a delightful treat that combines a flaky pastry crust with a smooth and creamy custard filling. These tarts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!