If you’re craving a light yet decadent dessert, these Flaky Vanilla Custard Slices are perfect for you. Made with layers of crispy puff pastry and a rich vanilla custard, each bite is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. This dessert is simple to make and guaranteed to impress at gatherings or as a treat with coffee. The vanilla custard is silky and aromatic, and when sandwiched between two golden pastry sheets, it becomes a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 package puff pastry (about 250 g)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
- While the milk is heating, in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Once the milk is hot, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Add the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and cook on medium-low heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens to a creamy custard consistency.
- Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap directly on the custard’s surface to avoid a skin forming, and allow it to cool completely.
- Whip the Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- After the custard has reached a cool temperature, carefully combine it with the whipped cream, folding it in delicately to achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture.
- Set aside.
- Bake the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
- Cut it into two equal rectangles to match the shape you want for the final custard slices.
- Place the puff pastry sheets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and prick them all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the Custard Slices
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on a serving tray and spread an even layer of vanilla custard cream over it.
- Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the custard layer, pressing down slightly to ensure it adheres.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Chill and Serve
- Transfer the assembled dessert to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the custard to set.
- Once ready to serve, slice into squares with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
Conclusion
These Flaky Vanilla Custard Slices are an absolute treat for vanilla lovers and those who enjoy a contrast of textures. The combination of light, crisp pastry and creamy, rich vanilla custard makes each bite a delightful experience. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to please, whether for a cozy evening or a celebratory spread.
Flaky Vanilla Custard Slices: A Creamy Delight
These Flaky Vanilla Custard Slices feature a creamyvanilla custard nestled between layers of flaky puff pastry, creating a lightyet indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 package puff pastry (about 250 g)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Prepare the Custard
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
- While the milk is heating, in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Once the milk is hot, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Add the vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract) and cook on medium-low heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens to a creamy custard consistency.
- Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap directly on the custard’s surface to avoid a skin forming, and allow it to cool completely.
Whip the Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- After the custard has reached a cool temperature, carefully combine it with the whipped cream, folding it in delicately to achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture.
- Set aside.
Bake the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
- Cut it into two equal rectangles to match the shape you want for the final custard slices.
- Place the puff pastry sheets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and prick them all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Custard Slices
- Place one sheet of puff pastry on a serving tray and spread an even layer of vanilla custard cream over it.
- Gently place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the custard layer, pressing down slightly to ensure it adheres.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
Chill and Serve
- Transfer the assembled dessert to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the custard to set.
- Once ready to serve, slice into squares with a sharp knife. Enjoy!