Buttery, Flaky Puff Pastry Swirled with Vanilla Custard & Glazed to Perfection
These Golden Danish Pastry Swirls are an elegant yet easy treat that combines crispy, buttery puff pastry with a silky vanilla custard filling, all topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special breakfast, these swirls look bakery-worthy but are simple to make at home!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold)
- 1 egg, beaten (for golden shine)
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk (for richness)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks (creates a velvety texture)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (thickens the custard)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (adds silkiness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Make the Custard Filling
- Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (don’t boil).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture while whisking.
- Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick (3–5 mins).
- Off heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
- Cover with plastic wrap (directly on custard) and cool completely.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Strain custard through a sieve for ultra-smooth texture.
2️⃣ Assemble the Pastries
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out puff pastry lightly on a floured surface (to ~12×9 inches).
- Spread cooled custard evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll tightly into a log (starting from the long side).
- Slice into 1-inch rounds (use dental floss for clean cuts).
- Place on baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake 20–25 mins until golden.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Chill the log for 15 mins before slicing for neater swirls.
3️⃣ Glaze & Serve
- Cool pastries 10 mins before glazing.
- Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over swirls.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Pair with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought custard?
✅ Yes! Substitute 1 cup prepared vanilla pudding (thickened).
2. Why did my custard curdle?
- Heat too high (whisk constantly on medium heat).
- Eggs not tempered properly (add hot milk slowly!).
3. Can I make these ahead?
- Unbaked: Freeze sliced swirls, then bake from frozen (+5 mins).
- Baked: Store at room temp 1 day or freeze 1 month.
4. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
- Don’t overfill with custard.
- Bake on parchment paper (not greased foil).
5. Can I add fruit?
✅ Yes! Layer thin apple slices or raspberries with the custard.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Custard: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to filling.
- Almond Danish: Replace vanilla with ½ tsp almond extract + sliced almonds on top.
- Lemon Blueberry: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to custard + fold in ½ cup blueberries.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use pre-rolled puff pastry for faster prep.
✔ Make custard a day ahead (store in fridge).
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Brunch parties
- Christmas morning
- Afternoon tea
💬 Final Thoughts
These Golden Danish Swirls are flaky, creamy, and just sweet enough—like a fancy bakery treat made easy at home. The custard filling is luxurious, and the puff pastry bakes up perfectly crisp.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! ☕️✨
Tried them? Share your photos below! 📸👇
