Description

Traditional vanilla custard slice features flaky puff pastry layers enveloping a rich, silky vanilla custard, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar a classic European dessert perfect for tea time or special occasions. Easily adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

– 2 sheets frozen butter puff pastry (approx. 14 oz total)

For the Custard:

– 110g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) caster sugar

– 40g (3 tbsp + 1 tsp) corn starch

– 8 large egg yolks

– 750ml (3 cups) whole milk, heated

– 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)

– 113g (½ cup / 1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed

For Finishing:

– 50g (½ cup) powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place each puff pastry sheet on a prepared tray. Let thaw slightly.
Pierce pastry surfaces all over with a fork. Cover each with another sheet of parchment, then place a second baking sheet on top to weigh them down.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
Trim both pastry sheets to fit a 9-inch square pan.
In a heatproof bowl, whisk caster sugar and corn starch. Add egg yolks; whisk until smooth.
Slowly pour in ½ cup of hot milk while whisking. Gradually add remaining milk and vanilla; whisk to combine.
Pour mixture into a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 5–6 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat. Stir in butter until fully melted and smooth.
Line the 9-inch square pan with parchment. Place one pastry sheet inside.
Pour custard through a sieve over the pastry. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Gently place the second pastry sheet on top.
Chill overnight (at least 8 hours) in the refrigerator.
Lift out using parchment. Score top with a sharp serrated knife. Cut cleanly, wiping the blade between slices.
Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

– Use butter puff pastry not oil-based for best flavor and flakiness.

– Chill thoroughly to ensure clean cuts and proper custard set.

– Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free puff pastry.

– Dairy-free/vegan: Substitute with plant-based butter, unsweetened oat or soy milk, and thicken custard with extra cornstarch (skip eggs; use ¼ cup cornstarch + 1 tbsp agar if needed).

– Vanilla bean paste gives speckled richness—vanilla extract works in a pinch.

– Storage: Keep refrigerated; do not freeze if you want to preserve pastry crispness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking & Chilling
Cuisine: European (Classic)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of dessert)
Calories: ~210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 115mg