Description
Vanilla Cream Puff Pastries are light, flaky pastries filled with a rich vanilla cream filling and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These elegant treats are perfect for brunch, dessert, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut puff pastry into 8 equal rectangles and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush over the pastry.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Transfer pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cooled pastry cream.
- Slice each puff pastry horizontally.
- Pipe or spoon the vanilla cream filling onto the bottom halves.
- Place the top halves over the filling.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry cold before baking for the best rise.
- Allow the pastry cream to cool completely before folding in whipped cream.
- Use a piping bag for a more professional presentation.
- Fresh berries make an excellent garnish.
- Best enjoyed the day they are assembled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French