Creative ways to serve frozen custard tarts in summer menus

Make the most of summer menus with a versatile, premium dessert

Summer brings lighter meals, seasonal menus, and a constant demand for creative, feel-good food. But that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent your dessert offer from scratch. Sometimes, all it takes is a twist on a classic.

Frozen custard tarts – like the iconic Portuguese custard tart – offer the perfect balance of tradition, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re a hotel, coffee shop, or catering business, here are fresh ideas to make this product shine all summer long.

1. Brunch boards & boutique breakfasts

Brunch is one of the most photographed and shared meals of the day, and adding a pastel de nata to the table makes the moment even more memorable.

  • Serve mini frozen custard tarts with seasonal fruit and Greek yogurt as part of a breakfast platter.
  • Add them to a Portuguese-inspired brunch board, alongside cheeses, jams, crusty bread, and coffee.
  • Pair with iced coffee, kombucha, or sparkling water for a light, modern twist.

Tip: Opt for bite-size tarts for easy plating and better cost control.

2. Reinvented summer desserts

Tarts are a natural canvas for creativity. Elevate your frozen custard tart with seasonal toppings or unexpected combinations.

  • Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of passion fruit pulp for a vibrant look.
  • Serve à la mode: warm custard tart + vanilla gelato = instant summer hit.
  • Get gourmet: deconstruct the tart with pastry shards, custard quenelle, and crumble for a plated dessert.

Tip: Pair with sparkling rosé or cold-brew coffee to balance sweetness.

3. For events, catering and outdoor service

If you’re managing events, pop-ups, food trucks, or even rooftop bars, the frozen custard tart offers flexibility and wow-factor without requiring a full kitchen.

  • Tart skewers with strawberries, mint, and a drizzle of chocolate.
  • Tarts in a cup: crumble base + baked custard tart + whipped cream – perfect for standing events.
  • Customise with local flavours: matcha, yuzu, cardamom, salted caramel.

Tip: Frozen pastries mean zero prep stress – bake, top, and serve.

Why frozen works for business

Nata Pura’s frozen Portuguese tarts are crafted with quality ingredients and deep respect for tradition, but designed for modern kitchens.

You get:

  • Consistent results every time;
  • Less waste, better stock control;
  • Short bake times and no prep needed;
  • A product that adapts to your creativity and seasonality.

Whether you run a boutique hotel or a busy coffee shop chain, like Starbucks, frozen custard tarts offer a simple way to elevate your dessert experience.

Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways of serving old favourites. With a high-quality frozen custard tart, you’re not just offering dessert – you’re offering a moment your customers will remember (and maybe even post about).

Want to bring these ideas to life?

We work with professionals in 35+ countries, providing frozen tarts that are ready to bake, serve, and impress.

Let’s build your summer menu together.
Contact us today

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