Yogurt Tarts (Faux Portuguese Tarts)

If you adore the creamy, caramelized tops of classic Portuguese custard tarts but don’t want to make a stovetop custard or hunt down specialty ingredients, these faux Portuguese tarts are for you.

Portuguese tarts are something I seek out at coffee shops.  I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I find them in the pastry case.  Having some extra puff pastry on hand, as well as Greek yogurt made me want to see if I could pull off a simplified version without making a custard.  
The result was creamy, tangier than the traditional Portuguese tart and quite divine in its own right.  

WE PREBAKE THE PUFF PASTRY FOR A FEW MINUTES TO GET A HEAD START ON THAT CRISP LAYER

We’re using store-bought puff pastry, Greek yogurt, eggs, and coconut sugar to create a silky, lightly tangy filling that bakes up beautifully—golden, just-set, and deeply comforting. 

THEN FILL WITH THAT CREAMY YOGURT MIXTURE AND SPRINKLE WITH SOME ADDITIONAL COCONUT SUGAR

Why This Shortcut Works
Traditional Portuguese tarts rely on cream, sugar syrup, and egg yolks. Greek yogurt brings:

• Natural creaminess
• A gentle tang that mimics custard depth
• Protein…because Greek Yogurt is loaded with it.
• Coconut sugar adds warmth and subtle caramel notes, giving you that signature toasty top without refined sugar overload.

ONCE BAKED,D THEY'RE PUFFED, GOLDEN AND WAITING TO BE DEVOURED

These faux Portuguese tarts are proof that you don’t need a culinary passport—or a candy thermometer—to enjoy something special. Simple ingredients, bakery-worthy results, and just enough indulgence to feel like a treat.

THAT CREAMY CENTER IS PERFECTLY NESTLED IN THE CRISP EXTERIOR

Yogurt Tarts (Faux Portuguese Tarts)

Ingredients (Makes 12 Tarts)

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (all butter puff pastry preferred like DuFour)
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar (reserving 2 tablespoons for crust and topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (I use vanilla paste)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but highly recommended and I blend it with the coconut sugar)
• Pinch of sea salt

Optional toppings: powdered sugar, extra cinnamon, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey


How to Make Faux Portuguese Tarts

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Lightly grease a muffin tin.

Roll out the puff pastry slightly to smooth seams.  Sprinkle a small amount of coconut sugar over the dough, press in slightly then cut into 12 equal squares.
Press each square gently into a muffin tin, leaving the edges slightly ruffled and rustic.


First Bake - Pop in the oven and bake 10 minutes while you make the filling.


Make the Filling - In a bowl, combine  remaining ingredients.  Remember to reserve a but of coconut sugar for the top.  Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Fill & Bake - Remove puff pastry from oven and spoon filling into pastry shells, filling about ¾ full.  Sprinkle tops with remaining coconut sugar,

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until pastry is deeply golden, centers are just set with a slight jiggle and tops have caramelized spots (that’s the good stuff)

Cool Slightly & Serve