Flan Pâtissier

#### Step 3: **Bake the Flan Pâtissier**
Pour the custard into the chilled tart shell, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the surface for a nice, flat top.

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about **30-40 minutes**, or until the custard is set and golden brown on top. The custard should be firm to the touch but still slightly wobbly in the center. If the top starts to brown too much before the custard is fully set, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

#### Step 4: **Cool & Serve**
Once the flan is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tart pan. After it has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least **4 hours**, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to set fully.

Once chilled, carefully remove the tart from the pan, slice it into wedges, and serve. You can garnish the flan with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries if desired, although it’s equally delicious on its own.

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### 💡 Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Flan Pâtissier

– **Using Vanilla Bean**: If you can find a **vanilla bean**, it will add an extra layer of flavor to the custard, giving it a rich, natural vanilla aroma. Simply split the bean, scrape out the seeds, and add them to the milk and cream mixture.
– **Pastry Choice**: While puff pastry adds a light and airy texture, **shortcrust pastry** gives a denser, more traditional French tart crust. Choose based on your texture preference.
– **Chill the Custard**: For an extra smooth texture, let the custard cool slightly before pouring it into the crust, but don’t let it cool too much or it may thicken too much to pour.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Flan Pâtissier is best enjoyed chilled, but you can also warm individual slices slightly in the microwave or oven for a different experience.
– **Make-Ahead**: This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to **3-4 days**, making it ideal for entertaining or as a treat to enjoy throughout the week.

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### 🍴 When to Serve Flan Pâtissier

– **Dinner Parties**: Impress your guests with this elegant French dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a cappuccino.
– **Holidays & Special Occasions**: Flan Pâtissier is a wonderful treat for Easter, Christmas, or birthdays—its rich, comforting flavor makes it suitable for any celebration.
– **Afternoon Tea**: Enjoy a slice of this custard tart with a hot cup of tea for a delightful mid-afternoon treat.
– **Picnics & Potlucks**: If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert to bring to a picnic or potluck, this custard tart will certainly stand out.

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### 🌟 Final Thoughts

**Flan Pâtissier** is a timeless French dessert that combines the richness of a creamy vanilla custard with the light, buttery crispness of a pastry crust. Its elegance and simplicity make it a must-try for anyone who loves French pastry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this dessert will impress and delight everyone who tries it.

So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both sophisticated and comforting, try making a **Flan Pâtissier**. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. 🥧🍮