Description
Indulgent berry custard pastries celebrate Italian crema pasticcera with silky smooth elegance. Delicate layers of buttery pastry and luscious cream invite sweet moments of pure culinary bliss you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base:
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Custard Cream (Crema Pasticcera):
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Fruit Topping:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, even surface for pastry preparation.
- Dust work surface with flour, gently unfold puff pastry sheets, and cut into rectangular shapes, creating uniform pastry bases for the dessert.
- Delicately brush pastry edges with melted butter, creating a golden border that will crisp during baking, then lightly score inner rectangles to prevent excessive rising.
- Bake pastry bases for 15-18 minutes until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color with a beautifully puffed texture, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the custard cream, whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium saucepan until they become pale and creamy, incorporating cornstarch and salt for smooth consistency.
- Gradually pour milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove custard from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and transfer to a clean bowl, covering surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Wash and meticulously slice mixed berries, gently tossing with powdered sugar and lemon zest to enhance their natural sweetness and brightness.
- Once pastry and custard are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of chilled custard cream over each pastry base, creating a smooth, even surface.
- Artfully arrange mixed berries atop the custard, creating an elegant and colorful presentation that showcases the vibrant fruit.
- Finish by dusting with additional powdered sugar, adding a delicate, sweet touch to the Berry Custard Pastries.
Notes
- Pastry Perfection: Use cold butter and work quickly when handling puff pastry to ensure a light, flaky texture that doesn’t become tough or dense.
- Custard Consistency: Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth cream that holds its shape without being too thick or runny.
- Berry Brilliance: Select seasonal, ripe berries for maximum flavor and visual appeal, mixing different varieties like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant color palette.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately up to two days in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain the pastry’s crisp texture and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg