Name: Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup cornstarch; ¼ tsp kosher salt; 3½ cups whole milk (warm); 6 large egg yolks (room temperature); 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 4 Tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion, look no further than this Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry. This recipe is close to my heart, as it combines the crispy goodness of puff pastry with a rich, dreamy custard infused with vanilla. Imagine sharing this treat at a family gathering or enjoying it on a cozy weeknight—every bite feels like a warm hug!

What makes this vanilla slice truly special is its balance of textures and flavors. The flaky pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, making it an elegant yet indulgent dessert. Plus, it’s versatile enough for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve something sweet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe walks you through each step—no need to stress!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy custard and flaky layers.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let it chill overnight for effortless hosting.
Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery pastry and rich vanilla custard is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this heavenly dessert. You might already have most of them in your kitchen!

For the Creamy Custard

2 (8½ oz; 490g) sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
½ cup (60g) cornstarch
¼ tsp kosher salt
3½ cups (795g; 830ml) whole milk (warm)
6 large egg yolks (room temperature)
1 vanilla bean (cut in half, seeds scraped out, or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
4 Tbsp (60g) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations:

Add a Fruit Layer: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced bananas between the layers for a fruity twist.
Try Different Extracts: Swap vanilla for almond or coconut extract to experiment with flavors.
Make It Chocolatey: Stir in some cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolate version that’s equally delicious.
Top It Off: Drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over the top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to about 9×9 inches. Prick all over with a fork—this helps prevent puffing during baking. Place the pastry sheets on the trays and cover them with another sheet of parchment and a second tray to weigh them down. If you don’t have enough sheet pans, just repeat as needed.

Step 2: Bake the Puff Pastry

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden and crisp. I recommend checking around the 30-minute mark but definitely allow it to cook until golden brown. Once baked, set aside and let cool completely.

Step 3: Trim the Edges

Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the edges of your baked puff pastry so they fit perfectly in an 8×8-inch square pan. It’s helpful to place this pan on top of one piece of puff pastry without pressing down too hard as you trim around the edges.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup cornstarch, and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Add in your egg yolks and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined—this will form the base for your custard.

Step 5: Warm the Milk

Place your warm milk in another saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam—but be careful not to let it boil! This step ensures that when you mix in your eggs later, they won’t scramble.

Step 6: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour in about 1 cup of that warm milk into your sugar and egg mixture while whisking continuously—this is called tempering! It helps gradually raise the temperature of your eggs without cooking them too quickly. Once mixed well, gradually pour this tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk while whisking until fully combined.

Step 7: Cook, Then Add Butter

Keep cooking over medium heat while whisking constantly until your mixture thickens and starts bubbling—a process that takes about 5-7 more minutes. When done, remove from heat and stir in those glorious vanilla bean seeds along with cold cubed butter until completely mixed in.

Step 8: Assemble, Then Chill

Line an 8×8 pan fully on all sides with aluminum foil—this makes it easier to lift out later! Place one piece of cooked puff pastry on the bottom. Pour your warm custard on top; if desired, run it through a sieve first for an ultra-smooth texture. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly before placing another piece of puff pastry on top gently pressing down. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil then refrigerate for at least four hours or even better overnight!

Step 9: Slice Then Serve!

Gently lift out your slice using that handy foil overhang and transfer it onto a cutting board. Carefully use a serrated knife to cut into squares—you can score gently first if you want cleaner cuts! Dust with powdered sugar right before serving and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

Creating the perfect Creamy Vanilla Slice is all about attention to detail and a little bit of love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time:

Use a high-quality vanilla – Real vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract makes a significant difference in flavor. It enhances the creaminess and adds depth, making each bite truly indulgent.
Cool the custard completely – Allowing the custard to cool before pouring it over the pastry ensures that it sets properly and doesn’t make the pastry soggy. This helps maintain that delightful flaky texture throughout.
Be gentle when pressing down – When layering the second piece of puff pastry on top, press it gently to avoid squishing the custard out. This helps keep your layers intact and looking lovely when served.
Chill overnight for best results – If you can, let your vanilla slice chill overnight. This extra time allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious taste.
Warm your knife for slicing – Before cutting into your completed slice, run your serrated knife under hot water and wipe it dry. A warm blade will glide through the layers beautifully, giving you clean edges.

How to Serve Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

Presenting your Creamy Vanilla Slice can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate its appearance and enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

Fresh berries – A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a pop of color and tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the custard.
Mint leaves – A sprig of fresh mint on top not only looks gorgeous but also provides a refreshing aroma that complements the creamy dessert.
Chocolate shavings – Adding a few delicate chocolate shavings will introduce an elegant touch that pairs well with the vanilla flavor.

Side Dishes

Whipped coconut cream – Light and fluffy, whipped coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that adds richness while keeping things light. It’s also easy to whip up quickly!
Fruit salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness to your dessert table and balances out the richness of the vanilla slice.
Coffee or espresso – Serving a small cup of strong coffee or espresso alongside your dessert creates a delightful contrast in flavors—perfect for those who enjoy coffee with their sweets.
Herbal tea – A soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, complements this rich dessert without overpowering it, offering a relaxing finish to your meal.

Enjoy crafting this delightful treat and sharing it with loved ones! Your Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry is sure to become a new favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry is not only a delightful dessert but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make this ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or special occasions!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Keep the dessert refrigerated for up to 3 days.
If you notice the pastry becoming soggy, consider placing parchment paper between the slices and the container.

Freezing

You can freeze individual squares for later enjoyment.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
The slices can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it warm:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious treat!

Can I use a different type of pastry for the Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry?

Absolutely! While puff pastry creates that lovely flaky texture, you could experiment with shortcrust or even phyllo dough. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.

How do I make sure my custard is creamy in my Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry?

To achieve a creamy custard, ensure you whisk constantly while cooking and do not let it boil. This will help prevent curdling and give you that smooth texture you’re aiming for.

Can I substitute the whole milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors intact.

What can I serve with my Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added flair!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry as much as I do! It’s truly a special recipe that brings together simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Dive into this sweet adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations. Happy baking!

Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 9 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry, a dessert that harmoniously combines layers of crispy puff pastry with a rich, velvety vanilla custard. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make treat offers an elegant touch to family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, creating a truly irresistible experience for both kids and adults alike. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed as is or customized with fresh fruits, chocolate, or your favorite toppings. Whether you serve it chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce, this creamy delight is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
½ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp kosher salt
3½ cups whole milk (warm)
6 large egg yolks (room temperature)
1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
4 Tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly, prick with a fork, place on trays, cover with parchment and weight them down.
Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown; cool completely.
Trim edges of baked pastry to fit an 8×8-inch pan.
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt; add egg yolks.
Warm milk in another saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
Gradually mix warm milk into the egg mixture to temper; return to heat and whisk until thickened.
Stir in vanilla seeds and cold butter until smooth.
Line the pan with foil, place one layer of pastry at the bottom, pour in custard, top with another pastry layer, refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Slice carefully and dust with powdered sugar before serving.