La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts

The story of Portuguese Custard Tarts, or Pastéis de Nata, began over 300 years ago at Portugal’s Jerónimos Monastery. Clever monks and nuns created these delightful treats from leftover egg yolks. Today, La Vie Gourmand brings this cherished recipe to Costco’s freezer section. Each box contains 18 pieces of flaky pastry shells with rich, creamy egg custard filling.

These frozen tarts have earned high praise from food lovers and the Portuguese community on social media. Many reviewers call them “mini cups of heaven.” The price tag has moved up from $9.99 to $12.99 in 2024, yet these custard tarts stay true to their historic roots. This raises an interesting question about their authenticity compared to the original Pastéis de Nata.

This detailed review dives into these popular Costco treats’ history, preparation, and taste. You’ll discover if these frozen delicacies deserve a spot in your shopping cart.

The History Behind Portuguese Custard Tarts

These beloved Portuguese pastries have their sacred roots in the hallowed halls of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon’s Belém district. Monks created these custard tarts before the 18th century out of necessity rather than culinary creativity.

Origins of Pastéis de Nata in Portugal

Portuguese monasteries’ monks and nuns faced an unusual challenge. They used lots of egg whites to starch religious garments. They had to find creative ways to use leftover egg yolks, which led to many sweet pastry recipes across Portugal. The monks started selling these custard tarts at a nearby sugar refinery when religious institutions were about to close after the Liberal Revolution of 1820.

Traditional ingredients and preparation

The sugar refinery bought the original recipe in 1834, and this became the foundation for the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, which opened in 1837. The classic preparation includes:

• Flaky, buttery pastry with crisp, slightly salty layers
• Rich egg custard filling with cinnamon and lemon zest
• Careful baking at very high temperatures
• Final dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar

Master bakers at the Fábrica make over 20,000 pastéis daily using the secret recipe, which stays protected in a private room.

Cultural significance in Portuguese cuisine

These custard tarts now mean much more than their monastery beginnings. The Guardian named Pastéis de Belém one of the world’s 50 best foods in 2009. The pastry reached another milestone in 2011 when people voted it as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders of Gastronomy.

There’s an important difference between Pastéis de Belém and Pastéis de Nata. Only the original shop can use the Belém name, though many bakeries across Portugal now make their own versions of these treats. These custard tarts have caught global attention, and Bloomberg suggests they could become as common as croissants.

La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts at Costco

Costco now stocks frozen Portuguese custard tarts from La Vie Gourmand in their freezer section. These delicious treats come in boxes of 18 individually packaged tarts that you can bake at home.

Product specifications and packaging

The box weighs 25.4 ounces and protects both the pastry shells and custard filling. You’ll find these tarts in the frozen section, and they need heating before eating to ensure they taste fresh and delicious. Each tart weighs about 60 grams.

Price point and availability

Costco’s pricing has changed quite a bit. The cost started at $7.49 in January 2024 and now sits at $12.99. These tarts show up randomly in different warehouses. Some stores offer good deals – like a recent $3.50 discount that ran through January 20th.

Ingredients analysis and nutrition facts

We used water, wheat flour, and sugar as the main ingredients, along with pasteurized egg yolks and various fats. The key flavoring ingredients include:

• Lemon zest and cinnamon that give it an authentic taste
• Beta-carotene for color
• Natural and artificial flavors

Looking at the nutrition facts, each tart has 160-180 calories. Here’s what you get in each serving:

• 10g total fat (5g saturated)
• 21g carbohydrates with 10g sugars
• 3g protein

These tarts contain wheat, milk, and eggs. The factory also makes products with fish, crustacean shellfish, soya, and tree nuts. People watching their salt intake should know that each tart has 55mg of sodium – just 2% of what you need daily.

Preparation Methods and Tips

You need to pay close attention to temperatures and timing to become skilled at making La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts perfectly.

Oven baking instructions

Your tarts will get a perfect crispy exterior when you preheat the oven to 425°F. Put the tarts on a baking sheet in the middle rack and bake them for 18-20 minutes until the center gets golden brown. Let the tarts cool briefly after baking – this will give you the right temperature and keep them from getting soggy.

Air fryer cooking guide

Air fryer cooking is a quicker option than traditional oven baking. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the tarts for 9-12 minutes until they bubble and crisp up. Take a quick look at the 2-minute mark to make sure they don’t burn, as the pastry and custard might heat differently.

Storage and reheating recommendations

The way you store your tarts will affect their quality and how long they last. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Put them in an airtight container with paper towels for up to 5 days
• Freezer storage: Keep them good for up to 3 months by flash-freezing them one by one on parchment paper
• Room temperature: Cover them loosely with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours

The oven gives you the best results when reheating at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the pastry’s crispness and keeps the custard smooth. A toaster oven needs just 3-5 minutes at the same temperature. Stay away from the microwave – it will make your pastry soggy.

Frozen tarts need to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. Put them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra moisture. This keeps both the custard’s texture and the pastry’s flakiness intact. Make sure your tarts reach room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation that could mess with their quality.

Taste and Texture Analysis

A bite into La Vie Gourmand’s Portuguese Custard Tart creates a magical moment where textures and flavors blend perfectly. These frozen treats taste amazing when heated properly.

Flakiness of the pastry

The outer shell breaks into delicate layers that crackle with each bite. Butter richness flows through every layer. A crispy puff pastry shell works perfectly to hold the custard filling. The pastry’s success comes from its strong structure while staying light and crisp.

Custard filling consistency

The custard center balances perfectly between firm and silky. Rich, smooth filling stays stable after heating. The custard keeps its shape without getting too dense and delivers:

• A velvety feel that coats your mouth
• Sweet notes that stay balanced
• Gentle vanilla hints mixed with egg richness
• A light caramel top that adds flavor depth

Comparison with fresh-baked versions

These frozen tarts stand strong next to their bakery-fresh counterparts. Their texture matches authentic Portuguese versions closely, with just slight differences. The custard stays smooth even after freezing and reheating.

These tarts taste best slightly warm. The contrast between crispy shell and creamy filling really shines. While they might not match a fresh Pastel de Nata in Lisbon perfectly, they come surprisingly close to the real thing.

The custard’s texture stays a bit firmer than traditional versions because of high-temperature baking. This frozen version keeps that special mix of flaky crust and creamy filling that makes Portuguese custard tarts so popular.

Adding powdered sugar and cinnamon on top makes them taste even more authentic. These tarts go great with coffee, creating a perfect balance that makes the whole experience better.

Authenticity Assessment

You should know something important about La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts. Only pastries from the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém can use the name “Pastéis de Belém” because they own the patent and protection rights.

Key differences from traditional Pastéis de Nata

The recipe shows some clear departures from tradition. We used modern stabilizers like methylcellulose, modified corn starch, and carrageeeen. They switched traditional butter with palm fat and sunflower oil. Notwithstanding that, they kept the classic lemon zest and cinnamon flavors.

What they get right

Portuguese community members love these frozen treats and say they taste remarkably close to the real thing. These tarts nail several key elements:

• A delicate, flaky pastry shell with the right crispness
• Rich custard inside with just enough sweetness
• The right size and look
• Better prices than what you’d pay at restaurants

Each box’s “Made in Portugal” stamp adds weight to their authenticity claims. The makers clearly understand how to keep traditional features while making them work for mass production.

Where they fall short

These frozen custard tarts have some limitations, despite their laudable qualities. The original Pastéis de Belém recipe from 1837 stays locked away, made only in a private room. Even high-quality commercial versions like La Vie Gourmand can’t match this historic recipe.

Freezing these tarts creates challenges. The texture and temperature feel different from fresh-baked ones you’d get warm from Portuguese bakeries. The custard feels good for a frozen product but doesn’t have that silky-smooth texture you get in traditional tarts.

They need extra ingredients to keep the tarts fresh – ingredients you won’t find in authentic recipes. These modern additions help with shelf life but change the taste and feel slightly. The makers must balance staying true to tradition with practical needs, which creates small differences that experts might spot.

These tarts are a great alternative when you can’t get fresh-baked ones, especially given their price and availability. People who know real Pastéis de Nata say La Vie Gourmand’s version hits the spot when fresh isn’t an option. Their success in capturing this iconic dessert’s essence, while adapting to modern needs, shows how traditional foods can evolve without losing their soul.

La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts are a remarkable achievement that brings authentic Portuguese flavors right to your kitchen. These frozen delicacies might not perfectly match the centuries-old recipe from Fábrica Pastéis de Belém, but they capture the essence of traditional Pastéis de Nata beautifully.

The flaky pastry shells combined with rich custard filling create a delightful treat, particularly when you follow the recommended cooking instructions. Some purists might spot slight differences in texture and taste. Still, these Costco treats are an excellent value at $12.99 for 18 pieces – costing much less than what you’d pay at specialty bakeries.

These tarts shine because they strike the perfect balance between authenticity and convenience. Their Portuguese origins, traditional flavoring elements, and ideal portion sizes make them a smart addition to your freezer. La Vie Gourmand has created something special by making this beloved Portuguese delicacy available to food lovers who might never get to taste the original Pastéis de Belém.

Here are some FAQs about La Vie Gourmand Portuguese custard tarts:

Does Costco sell Portuguese tarts?

Yes, Costco sells La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts in the frozen section. These pastries are a popular choice for those who enjoy authentic Portuguese flavors. The La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Baked Custard Tarts come pre-baked and only need to be heated before serving.

What is the difference between a Portuguese tart and a custard tart?

A Portuguese custard tart, or Pastel de Nata, has a flaky, buttery pastry shell with a caramelized custard filling. In contrast, a traditional custard tart has a shortcrust pastry and a smoother custard that isn’t caramelized. The La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts follow the classic Portuguese recipe, delivering a rich, creamy texture.

How to cook Costco Portuguese tarts?

To prepare La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts Costco offers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them for about 15 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. This process gives the tarts a crispy crust and a warm, creamy center.

Do you eat Portuguese custard tarts hot or cold?

La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts can be enjoyed hot or cold, but they are best served warm. Heating them enhances the crispy texture of the pastry and brings out the rich flavor of the custard. Some people also enjoy them at room temperature with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Are Costco Portuguese tarts good?

Many reviews praise La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts for their authentic taste and high-quality ingredients. They are often compared to traditional Pastéis de Nata from Portugal. The La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts Review highlights their flaky crust and creamy, caramelized custard as standout features.

What is the most famous Portuguese tart?

The Pastel de Nata is the most famous Portuguese tart, originally created by monks in Lisbon. The La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts are inspired by this traditional recipe. They have gained worldwide popularity and are now enjoyed in many countries.

How long do Portuguese tarts last?

If stored in the refrigerator, La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Baked Custard Tarts can last up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to a month. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, reheat them in an oven before serving.

What is the best tart in the world?

The Pastel de Nata is considered one of the best tarts in the world due to its crispy, flaky crust and rich, caramelized custard. Many food critics and travelers seek out the best versions of this pastry, with La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts being a convenient alternative.

What is the original Portuguese tart?

The original Pastel de Nata was created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon in the 18th century. La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts Ingredients stay true to this traditional recipe, using eggs, milk, sugar, and butter to create an authentic taste.

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