Description
Sweet memories of Italian bakeries come alive with vanilla custard cream squares, a delicate pastry layered with silky custard and delicate puff pastry. Crisp, buttery layers melt into creamy filling, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of this classic dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
Thickening Agents:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean seeds
Instructions
- Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and pale, creating a uniform base for the custard cream.
- Gradually incorporate granulated sugar into the eggs, mixing vigorously to ensure complete dissolution and aeration.
- Sift cornstarch and all-purpose flour together, then gently fold into the egg mixture to prevent lumping and create a silky texture.
- Warm whole milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges, avoiding full boiling.
- Slowly stream the heated dairy mixture into the egg blend, continuously whisking to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Return the entire custard mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds, infusing deep aromatic flavor throughout the cream.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the custard’s overall taste profile and balance the sweetness.
- Transfer the custard to a clean bowl, cover directly with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely chilled and set.
- Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into elegant squares, showcasing the creamy, smooth texture.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent custard blending.
- Use pure vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean for the most authentic, rich flavor profile.
- When tempering eggs, pour hot milk slowly and whisk constantly to prevent scrambling and maintain silky texture.
- Refrigerate custard with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation and maintain a creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 180mg