Description
Imagine a creamy, velvety custard tart with a smoky, crispy bacon topping. That’s the magic of this Smoky Bacon Amish Custard Tart. This dessert combines the richness of traditional Amish custard with the savory depth of bacon, making for a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this tart will surely impress!
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups hot water
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Nutmeg (for garnish)
- 4 slices smoked bacon, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure the custard bakes to a creamy consistency.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and hot water. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the eggs while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Once the eggs are tempered, mix them with the rest of the milk mixture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Choose either individual ramekins or a 2-quart baking dish.
- Place the chosen baking vessel in a larger pan with high sides. Fill the outer pan with about half an inch of water to create a water bath for baking.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared ramekins or baking dish.
- Bake the Custard:
- Bake the custard for about 1 hour if using ramekins, or 1 hour and 40 minutes if using a larger dish. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the custard is done.
- Ensure the water level in the outer pan remains steady throughout baking.
- Cool and Garnish:
- Let the tart cool for about 1 hour to set.
- Once cooled, sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg for a fragrant finish.
- Serve and Store:
- Serve warm or chilled. The flavor continues to develop as it sits.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- Smoky Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces. Add it on top of the custard for a savory contrast to the sweet, creamy filling.
- Water Bath: The water bath helps ensure the custard bakes evenly and smoothly. Don’t skip this step!
- Crust Option: You can use a pre-made tart crust to save time or opt for a homemade one for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (ramekins) or 1 hour 40 minutes (larger dish)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American