Description
A classic French dessert made with layers of puff pastry and rich vanilla custard, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Powdered sugar (for caramelization and dusting)
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1–2 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Place puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Pierce all over with a fork to prevent over-puffing. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Cover with another sheet of parchment + a second baking tray to keep it flat. Bake 18–22 minutes, until deeply golden and crispy. Let cool completely and cut into three equal rectangles.
- Heat milk + half the sugar + vanilla in a saucepan until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks + remaining sugar + cornstarch. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture (tempering), whisking constantly. Return mixture to the saucepan. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat → add butter. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface. Chill until cold.
- Whip heavy cream + powdered sugar to soft peaks. Fold into chilled pastry cream. Keep cold until ready to use.
- Place the first pastry layer on a plate. Pipe thick, even layers of vanilla custard. Add the second pastry layer → more custard. Top with the final pastry sheet. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Chill 30–60 minutes for clean slicing and perfect layers.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker, richer custard, skip the optional Crème Diplomate step.
- Make sure to chill the custard thoroughly for the best texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg