The Vanilla Custard Slice is a refined yet approachable dessert celebrated for its lush custard and flaky pastry layers. A study in contrast and harmony, this dessert combines smooth, luscious vanilla custard with crisp golden puff pastry, topped with a delicate shower of powdered sugar. It’s elegant enough for formal occasions yet simple enough to make at home for a cozy tea-time treat.
Every bite delivers the kind of textural balance that dessert lovers dream of—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and fragrant all at once. Originating from classical French patisserie traditions, this dish is now beloved worldwide, often appearing in bakeries and home kitchens alike. The custard is silky, infused with vanilla, and thick enough to hold its shape between the layers, while the pastry provides structure and subtle butteriness.
Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a showstopper—easy to portion into neat squares and ideal for pairing with fresh berries, a scoop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of fruit coulis.
🧺 INGREDIENTS:
For the pastry layers:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the vanilla custard filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
📝 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Bake the Puff Pastry Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place puff pastry sheets flat and prick generously with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp. Let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Custard Base In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Heat over medium until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Temper the Egg Yolks In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a ladleful of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking—this step prevents curdling. Pour tempered yolks back into the pan, stirring continuously.
- Cook Until Creamy Continue heating while stirring until custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about 2–3 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin.
- Assembly Time Once the pastry and custard are cool, place one pastry sheet in a rectangular dish. Spread the custard evenly over it. Place the second pastry sheet on top, pressing gently.
- Chill to Set Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to slice. This allows the custard to hold its shape.
- Finishing Touch Dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
🍴 Extra Notes & Variations:
- For a twist, try infusing the custard with citrus zest or cardamom.
- If you want glossy tops, consider icing sugar mixed with a little water and lemon juice.
- Pair with raspberry compote or mango slices for a tropical finish.