The Egg Tart from Tous les Jours features a flaky, golden pastry crust filled with smooth, creamy custard made from fresh eggs and milk, delivering a perfectly sweet and delicate dessert with a glossy, caramelized top.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Tart molds
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Sieve (fine mesh strainer)
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential for creating the flaky, golden pastry crust, so keep it refrigerated until you're ready to mix. Using fresh whole milk and heavy cream ensures the custard remains smooth and creamy with the right richness. Sift the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar together for a tender crust texture and consistent sweetness. Be cautious with the cold water amount when combining the dough; add it gradually to avoid over-hydrating, which can toughen the pastry. Your Egg Tart from Tous les Jours copycat menu will stand out by perfectly balancing the delicate custard with the crisp, buttery crust.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and cut in with a pastry blender or fingers until mixture is crumbly.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut and fit dough into tart molds, pressing gently and trimming excess.
- Prick the base of each tart shell with a fork.
- Place molds on a baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just steaming, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until combined.
- Gradually pour warmed milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Pour custard into prepared tart shells, filling nearly to the top.
- Bake on the middle rack for 22–28 minutes, until the custard is set and just starting to caramelize on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool briefly in molds, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
The Egg Tart from Tous les Jours copycat menu can be customized by substituting whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, although this may slightly alter the custard's creaminess. Cold, cubed unsalted butter is essential for the flaky crust; however, you can use margarine if necessary, but expect a less rich flavor and texture. When mixing the dough, ensure your water is ice-cold to prevent the butter from melting, which affects flakiness. If you don't have tart molds, small oven-safe ramekins can serve as an alternative. After baking, allow the tarts to cool completely on a rack to help the custard set properly and avoid a runny texture.
Tips
Keep your butter cold until mixing with flour to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust for your egg tart. When rolling out the dough, sprinkle the surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much to maintain the right texture. Straining the custard mixture before filling helps remove any lumps, resulting in a smooth, creamy filling. Remember to bake the tarts on the middle rack for even heat distribution, and watch closely near the end to achieve that signature caramelized top without overbaking.
Nutritions
Egg Tarts from Tous les Jours provide a rich source of protein and calcium due to their fresh eggs and whole milk custard filling. The flaky pastry crust contains carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and fats from unsalted butter, contributing to its satisfying texture and energy content. Your dessert also offers essential vitamins like vitamin A and B12 from the eggs and cream, enhancing nutritional value. While indulgent, this treat combines creamy sweetness with a balanced macronutrient profile typical of classic custard tarts.
Storage
Store your Tous les Jours Egg Tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain the flaky pastry crust and creamy custard filling. For longer storage, refrigerate the tarts and consume within 3 to 4 days to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess. Before serving, warm the tarts slightly in the oven to restore their delicate texture.
Variation or Alternatives
To create a lighter tart crust, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, adding a subtle nutty flavor while maintaining flakiness. For a richer custard, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, giving your egg tart a slight tropical twist and creamy texture. You might also consider baking the tart shells blind with pie weights to prevent puffing and ensure an evenly crisp base. If you're short on time, using pre-made puff pastry will speed up preparation without sacrificing the dessert's classic flakiness.
Allergies
This Egg Tart contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and butter, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with dairy or egg allergies. The all-purpose flour also contains gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dessert or seek suitable alternatives.
Why this recipe?
Tous les Jours' Egg Tart menu is beloved for its perfectly flaky crust and creamy, rich custard filling that melts in your mouth. The bakery uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delicious taste that stands out from typical egg tarts. You'll find the balance of sweetness and texture irresistibly satisfying, making it a favorite among pastry enthusiasts. Trying to make a copycat version lets you recreate that unique flavor at home, offering a rewarding baking experience and a personal taste of this popular treat.