Easy Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Dessert
A delightful dessert combining creamy vanilla custard with flaky puff pastry for a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets 2 (8½ oz; 490g) sheets of puff pastry, thawed Light and flaky texture
For the Custard
- ⅔ cup ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar Sweetness
- ½ cup ½ cup (60g) cornstarch Thickening agent
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp kosher salt Balances flavor
- 3½ cups 3½ cups (795g; 830ml) whole milk, warm Rich moisture
- 6 large 6 large egg yolks, room temperature Provides richness
- 1 bean 1 vanilla bean, cut in half, seeds scraped out, or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste Natural vanilla flavor
- 4 Tbsp 4 Tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, cold, cubed Adds richness
- to taste Powdered sugar, for dusting Finishing touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by preheating your oven according to the recipe's requirements, preparing for the puff pastry.
- Roll out the sheets of thawed puff pastry to smooth any creases.
- Place the rolled pastry on a baking sheet and lightly prick the surface with a fork.
- Bake the pastry in the preheated oven until it turns golden brown and puffs up nicely.
Custard Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and kosher salt until combined.
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the sugar mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat and continue cooking while stirring constantly until thickened.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the egg yolks until well combined.
- Add the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean or the vanilla bean paste and mix well.
- Incorporate the cold, cubed unsalted butter until melted and blended.
Assembly
- Allow the custard to cool slightly before pouring it over the baked puff pastry.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensure to whisk the sugar mixture until fully blended to avoid lumps and only dust with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain its appearance.