Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting, let me introduce you to my favorite Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry. This delightful treat has a way of transforming ordinary days into something special. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to indulge after a busy week, this recipe is a total winner!

What makes this vanilla slice so irresistible is the combination of crisp, flaky pastry and silky custard. Each bite feels like a little hug for your taste buds! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Trust me, once you serve this creamy dream, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to nail this recipe. It’s straightforward with simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the smooth custard and flaky layers. It’s bound to become a family favorite!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. Perfect for busy days when you want dessert ready to go!
• Endless Elegance: With its beautiful presentation, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or just because.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry uses simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 (8½ oz; 490g) sheets of puff pastry, (thawed)
• ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60g) cornstarch
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 3½ cups (795g; 830ml) whole milk, (warm)
• 6 large egg yolks, (room temperature)
• 1 vanilla bean, (cut in half, seeds scraped out, or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
• 4 Tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, (cold, cubed)
• Powdered sugar, (for dusting)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Fruit: Layer slices of fresh berries or bananas between the custard and pastry for a fruity twist.
• Swap the Flavor: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon zest for a unique flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Stir in some melted dark chocolate into your custard for a rich chocolate version.
• Nutty Crunch: Top your slice with crushed nuts or almond slivers before serving for added texture.

How to Make Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to about 9×9 inches. Prick all over with a fork; this keeps them from puffing up too much while baking. Place these sheets on your trays and cover them with another sheet of parchment along with a second tray on top as a weight. If you don’t have enough pans, just repeat as needed!

Step 2: Bake the Puff Pastry

Bake those lovely sheets for about 35-45 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp. I suggest checking them around the 30-minute mark but let them bake until they achieve that beautiful golden color. Once done, set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Trim the Edges

Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the edges of your baked pastry so they fit perfectly into an 8×8-inch square pan. It helps to place your pan over the pastry without pressing down too hard while trimming around.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together your granulated sugar, cornstarch, and kosher salt until well combined. Then add in those luscious egg yolks and whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Warm the Milk

In another saucepan over medium heat, warm up your whole milk until it starts steaming—just don’t let it boil! This step helps bring out the flavors when you mix it into your custard.

Step 6: Temper the Eggs

Now comes an important step—slowly pour in one cup of warm milk into your egg mixture while whisking continuously. This process ensures that we don’t end up scrambling our eggs! Gradually pour this tempered mixture back into the saucepan containing the remaining milk and whisk again until fully integrated.

Step 7: Cook, Then Add Butter

Keep cooking over medium heat while whisking constantly until your mixture thickens and starts bubbling—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes more. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in those fragrant vanilla bean seeds along with cold cubed butter until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Assemble, Then Chill

Line your square pan completely on all sides with aluminum foil; make sure there’s enough overhang for easy removal later on. Place one layer of cooked puff pastry at the bottom and pour your warm custard on top. Smooth it out evenly using a spatula then gently press down another layer of puff pastry on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.

Step 9: Slice Then Serve!

Carefully lift your chilled slice out using the foil overhang and transfer it onto a cutting board. Use a serrated knife to cut into either nine larger squares or sixteen smaller ones—scoring beforehand can help keep things neat if that’s what you prefer! Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving these delectable treats.

Enjoy every bite of this luscious Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry—it truly is an indulgent dessert that will keep everyone coming back for more!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

Creating the perfect Creamy Vanilla Slice can be a rewarding experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully.

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and room temperature egg yolks helps achieve that rich, velvety custard texture. Cold butter emulsifies better, giving your custard a lovely creaminess.

• Whisk constantly while cooking: This prevents the custard from sticking to the pan and burning. Continuous whisking ensures that the mixture cooks evenly, resulting in a smooth and luscious filling.

• Sieve the custard (optional): Running your cooked custard through a sieve before pouring it into the pastry removes any lumps, giving you an ultra-smooth texture that’s delightful in every bite.

• Let it chill overnight: While 4 hours is the minimum chilling time, leaving it overnight allows flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier. The longer chilling time also enhances the overall texture.

• Use a serrated knife for cutting: A serrated knife allows you to slice through the flaky pastry without squishing it down. Clean cuts make for a more elegant presentation!

How to Serve Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

This delightful dessert deserves to be showcased beautifully! Here are some ideas on how to present your Creamy Vanilla Slice.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a vibrant color contrast and a tangy burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the vanilla slice.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top not only looks stunning but adds an aromatic touch that brightens up each bite.
• Chocolate shavings: Lightly sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top for an added layer of decadence that pairs wonderfully with creamy desserts.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve your vanilla slice alongside luscious whipped coconut cream. Its lightness balances out the richness of the dessert.
• Citrus salad: A refreshing citrus salad made with orange and grapefruit segments can cut through the sweetness of the slice, offering a zesty contrast that’s delightful.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your vanilla slice with a strong cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its flavors and provides a warming balance after a sweet treat.
• Fruit sorbet: A scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser that complements the creamy texture of your vanilla slice beautifully.

Enjoying your Creamy Vanilla Slice with these serving suggestions will surely impress your guests and elevate your dessert experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or just to have a sweet treat on hand throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
• If you prefer it slightly warm, you can place it in a microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, but be careful not to overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert!

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for the Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s thawed before use.

How long does the Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry need to chill?

It should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative in this recipe?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and suitable for cooking.

What can I do if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?

If your custard isn’t thickening as expected, continue cooking over medium heat while whisking constantly. It should eventually reach the desired consistency.

How can I serve the Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry?

Dust with powdered sugar before serving and consider adding fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra special touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry! It’s such a special dessert that brings together elegance and comfort in every bite. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations; I’d love to hear how it turns out. Happy baking!