Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

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Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

These Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares are the kind of dessert that feels like it came straight from a European bakery.

Crisp golden puff pastry holds a thick layer of silky vanilla custard, topped with powdered sugar for a perfect finish. It’s a dessert that combines rich textures with a light and airy presentation.

 Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) store-bought puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed)

  • 1½ cups whole milk

  • 1½ cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup water

  • ⅔ cup caster sugar

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cubed

  • 6 egg yolks, beaten

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Powdered sugar for topping

 Directions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Also, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over about 2 inches for easy removal later.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out each sheet of puff pastry and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to gently prick holes all over the dough—this helps prevent too much puffing.

For best results, place another sheet of parchment paper on top of each puff pastry and set another baking sheet on top to weigh it down. This ensures the pastry stays flat and crisp rather than puffing up too much.

Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Optional: Use a serrated knife to trim the edges so they fit neatly in the 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Make the Vanilla Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir frequently and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edges, just before boiling.

While the milk is heating, whisk together the flour and water in a small bowl to make a slurry.

Once bubbles appear, stir in the flour-water slurry and immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them. Then, gradually whisk the tempered yolks into the main saucepan mixture.

Return the pan to the stove and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. After 30–60 seconds, the mixture should thicken into a smooth custard.

Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Pastry

Place one sheet of baked puff pastry into the bottom of the 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the warm custard over the top and spread it into an even layer.

Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, trimming edges if necessary to fit. Gently press the top layer so it adheres to the custard but don’t press too hard to avoid squeezing the filling out.

5. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the entire dish for 3 to 4 hours, or until the custard is fully set and chilled.

Before serving, generously dust the top with powdered sugar.

Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and enjoy the contrast of flaky pastry and cool, creamy custard.

 Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or ½ teaspoon lemon zest to the custard.

  • Light version: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream, though the texture may be less rich.

  • Make it chocolate: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate custard twist.

  • Fruit topping: Add thin slices of fresh berries or banana between the custard and top pastry layer for extra flavor and color.

 Storage

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • The puff pastry will soften over time but still tastes delicious.

  • Freezing is not recommended, as custard can become watery when thawed.

 Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Chill Time: 3–4 hours

  • Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes

  • Yield: 12 squares

 Tools Used

  • 9×13-inch baking dish

  • 2 baking sheets

  • Parchment paper

  • Whisk

  • Saucepan

  • Medium bowl

  • Rubber spatula

  • Knife (preferably serrated)

  • Fine mesh sieve or sifter (for powdered sugar)

Final Thoughts on Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

These Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares are the perfect mix of elegance and comfort.

With their flaky layers and luscious custard filling, they’re an ideal choice for entertaining or elevating an everyday meal.

This dessert is simple to assemble, yet the result is absolutely stunning.

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