Light, Crispy Puff Pastry Sandwiched with Velvety Homemade Custard
✨ Why You’ll Love These
These Italian-inspired cream puffs are:
✅ Easier than choux pastry (uses puff pastry shortcut!)
✅ Silky-smooth custard with real vanilla bean flavor
✅ Elegant enough for parties, simple enough for weeknights
✅ Make-ahead friendly – assemble just before serving
📝 Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Shells:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Vanilla Custard (Crema Pasticcera):
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cut pastry into 12 circles using a 2.5-inch cutter (or a glass).
- Prick each circle with a fork (to prevent doming).
- Bake 15–18 mins until golden. Cool completely.
2. Make the Custard Filling
- Whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium until steaming.
- Temper egg yolks: Slowly pour ½ cup hot milk into yolks while whisking, then return to pan.
- Cook 3–5 mins, stirring constantly, until thick like pudding.
- Off heat, stir in vanilla and butter.
- Cover with plastic wrap (touching surface) and chill 30 mins.
3. Assemble
- Slice cooled pastry horizontally.
- Pipe or spoon custard onto bottoms, then replace tops.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
🌟 Chef’s Tips
🍦 Custard Perfection:
- For extra richness, replace ½ cup milk with heavy cream.
- Lumps? Strain through a sieve before chilling.
🎉 Presentation Ideas:
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Top with fresh berries or edible flowers.
⏳ Make-Ahead:
- Pastry shells keep crispy in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Custard lasts 3 days refrigerated (whisk before using).
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use frozen custard?
Yes! Thaw in fridge overnight and rewhip before piping.
2. Why did my pastry puff unevenly?
- Prick more holes to release steam.
- Rotate pan halfway through baking.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use GF puff pastry and cornstarch (already GF).
4. How to store leftovers?
Keep unfilled shells and custard separate. Assemble within 1 hour of serving.
5. Can I flavor the custard?
Try citrus zest, almond extract, or espresso powder!
💖 Final Thoughts
These Italian cream puffs are deceptively simple yet impossibly elegant—the kind of dessert that disappears fast but leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
“Like biting into a sweet, custardy cloud!” ☁️
For more bakery magic, visit @deesviral! 🌟
Enjoy within:
- 1 hour (for crispiest shells)
- 24 hours (chilled, slightly softer texture)
