Description
Silky smooth vanilla custard cream squares bring pure dessert magic from French pastry traditions. Layered with delicate puff pastry and rich vanilla-infused custard, these elegant squares promise a luxurious sweet escape that melts perfectly on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons premium rum (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Finishing Ingredient:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Arrange puff pastry sheets on separate baking trays, baking for 10 minutes until achieving a golden-brown color. Allow pastry to cool completely.
- Pour milk into a heavy saucepan, gradually heating to a gentle boil over medium temperature.
- Whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy consistency.
- Incorporate flour, vanilla extract, rum, salt, and remaining milk into the egg-sugar blend. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- When milk reaches boiling point, slowly stream the egg mixture into the hot liquid, continuously stirring. Cook while mixing until the custard significantly thickens and coats a spoon’s back.
- Beat egg whites using an electric mixer until stiff peaks develop. Delicately fold the whites into the warm custard, creating a light, airy texture.
- Position one cooled pastry sheet as the base in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Distribute custard evenly across the pastry layer.
- Refrigerate the custard layer for 1-2 hours until it becomes firm and set.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this creamy layer uniformly over the chilled custard.
- Precisely cut the second pastry sheet into 15 equal squares. Carefully arrange these squares atop the whipped cream layer.
- Return the dish to the refrigerator, allowing it to set completely for an additional 2 hours.
- Optional: Dust the surface with powdered sugar before serving. Slice into 15 squares and present chilled.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality pure vanilla extract to enhance the custard’s rich, authentic flavor and aroma.
- Ensure egg yolks and sugar are whisked thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky custard base.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with almond flour or gluten-free pastry sheets to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 326
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg