Description
Creamy vanilla custard cream squares deliver a silky smooth dessert journey through classic French pastry traditions. Sweet layers of delicate pastry and rich custard promise a luxurious treat that melts perfectly on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Custard Filling Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
- 8 eggs, separated
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange puff pastry sheets on separate baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Remove and cool completely, which will create the base and top layers of the dessert.
- Heat 3 cups of milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until it approaches boiling. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Incorporate flour, vanilla extract, and remaining milk into the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.
- When milk reaches a gentle boil, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the warm custard, maintaining the airy texture.
- Place one cooled puff pastry sheet in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the custard evenly over the pastry. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to cool and set.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form (3-4 minutes). Once the custard is set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the custard layer.
- Cut the second puff pastry sheet into 15 squares. Arrange these squares over the whipped cream, slightly overlapping if needed. Chill for an additional 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve chilled to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Select high-quality vanilla extract for a richer, more authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before beating to achieve maximum volume and stability when folding into the custard.
- Sift flour and powdered sugar to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more refined texture in both custard and topping.
- Consider using a silicone spatula when folding egg whites to maintain their delicate airiness and prevent deflation during mixing.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg