Description
These vanilla custard cream squares feature perfectly crisp puff pastry layers cradling a rich, velvety vanilla custard, making a gourmet dessert approachable for everyone. They are a delightful treat for weeknights or unexpected guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry (14 oz / 400 g), thawed
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 0.25 cup cornstarch (30 g)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prep Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry sheets onto parchment paper on a large sheet pan. Prick all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Bake for 12-15 minutes until visibly golden and puffed, then cool completely on a wire rack until crisp.
- Make Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and pale. Gradually whisk in the milk until fully combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens significantly and becomes bubbly; it should easily coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately.
- Flavor and Cool Custard: Stir in the pure vanilla extract and butter until fully melted and combined, giving the custard a glossy finish. Pour the hot custard into a shallow dish or pan, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until it feels firm to the touch.
- Assemble Squares: Once both the pastry and custard are thoroughly cool, use a sharp knife to gently slice each pastry sheet into equal rectangular or square pieces (aim for 9-12 squares per sheet). Carefully spread a generous, even layer of the chilled vanilla custard cream onto half of the pastry pieces. Top each with a remaining pastry piece, pressing gently.
- Finish and Chill: Dust the assembled vanilla custard cream squares generously with powdered sugar just before serving. Chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting and enjoying this delightful layered pastry dessert.
Notes
For best results, ensure both the pastry and custard are thoroughly chilled before assembly to prevent soggy pastry. If custard isn’t thickening, try whisking constantly over consistent heat or add a small cornstarch slurry. Garnish with fresh berries, lemon zest, toasted coconut, or a pinch of cinnamon sugar. Store chilled.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx 90 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: vanilla, custard, puff pastry, dessert, easy, layered, baking, cream squares