Creamy Vanilla Custard Pastry Delight 🍮✨
Flaky layers. Velvety custard. A touch of nostalgia.
If you love desserts that combine rich, creamy filling with a delicate pastry crunch, this Creamy Vanilla Custard Pastry Delight is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s a French-inspired layered dessert that’s shockingly simple to prepare thanks to store-bought puff pastry—but looks and tastes like it came from a fancy patisserie.
Why I Love This Recipe
- That custard—silky, smooth, and infused with real vanilla
- The shortcut puff pastry—light, crispy layers with no fuss
- The whipped cream fold-in gives the filling an airy, mousse-like lift
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, brunches, or tea time
This is a bakery-style classic you can totally pull off at home.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry, thawed
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Whipped Cream Fold-In:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Bake the Pastry Layers
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into two equal squares. Place them on the baking sheet and pierce all over with a forkto prevent over-puffing.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Custard
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add some hot milk mixture into the yolks (tempering), then pour it back into the saucepan.
Cook another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until thick and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Whip the Cream
In a bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks.
Once the custard has cooled, gently fold the whipped cream into it to create a light, mousse-like texture.
4. Assemble
Place one puff pastry sheet on a serving plate. Spread the custard filling evenly over it.
Top with the second puff pastry square. Press down gently and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares with a serrated knife, and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Use real vanilla extract or even paste for deeper flavor
- Let the custard cool completely before folding in whipped cream
- For sharper cuts, chill longer and use a hot knife to slice
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; best texture is within 24 hours
Perfect Pairings & Occasions
Serve this dessert:
- With fresh berries or sliced stone fruit on the side
- As a showstopper on a brunch buffet
- Paired with espresso or chai lattes for an afternoon treat
- At holidays or special occasions—it holds beautifully in the fridge
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies
- These Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About
- These Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- This Grasshopper Pie
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Vanilla Custard Pastry Delight is everything you want in a dessert—classic, creamy, elegant, and shockingly simple to make. It’s the kind of recipe that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen but only takes a little effort and a lot of love.
If you try it, don’t forget to share your beautiful pastry pics and tag @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your flaky creations! 💛🍮
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