Classic French Vanilla Custard Tart (Flan Pâtissier)

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This classic French vanilla custard tart, also known as flan pâtissier, is defined by its smooth, creamy interior and deeply flavored vanilla custard, encased in a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry. Simple in ingredients yet precise in technique, it is a bakery-style dessert that relies on careful preparation and patience rather than complexity.

The custard is rich and dense, infused with real vanilla beans for maximum aroma and depth. Baking it slowly allows the surface to develop its characteristic dark caramelized spots, while the center remains delicately trembling when it leaves the oven. Once chilled, the custard sets into a perfectly sliceable texture that is firm, silky, and glossy.

This flan improves with time and is best prepared a day in advance. Proper chilling is essential to achieve the iconic structure and clean slices associated with professional pastry shop flans.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 roll high-quality all-butter shortcrust pastry (or homemade)

For the Custard Filling

• 75 cl whole milk
• 25 cl heavy cream (minimum 30% fat)
• 6 egg yolks
• 180 g granulated sugar
• 90 g cornstarch (maïzena)
• 2 plump vanilla beans
  

  Preparation