Creamy Portuguese Egg Custard Cake With Caramelized Edges

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The egg custard cake layers baked custard into a soft cake, the edges caramelized where they touch the pan. I bake it slow so the custard sets without weeping out.

The recipe is straightforward to follow and highlights the unique flavors of traditional Portuguese pastries. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a comforting dessert at home.

Delicious Portuguese Egg Custard Cake Recipe

This Portuguese Egg Custard Cake features a silky custard filling encased in a flaky crust that is lightly caramelized on top. The preparation takes about an hour, and it serves 8 people, making it a great dessert for gatherings.

Ingredients

1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade crust)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a pie dish with the pie crust and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let it boil without stirring until it turns a golden amber color. Quickly pour caramel into the prepared crust, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and lemon zest until smooth. Pour this custard mixture over the caramelized layer in the crust.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and slightly jiggles in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the custard firm up before serving. For a beautiful presentation, you may sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top.
Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy custard with the delightful caramelized edges!