Description
Silky smooth vanilla custard cream squares bring European elegance to classic dessert tables. Delicate layers of buttery pastry and rich custard create a sophisticated treat that will delight you with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Main Filling Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) whole milk
- 8 eggs, separated
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
Additional Flavoring and Finishing Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rum (optional)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to a scorching 400F (200C), ensuring a perfectly heated environment for the pastry.
- Carefully stretch each puff pastry sheet to precisely match the 9×13-inch baking dish dimensions, then bake for 10-12 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp appearance. Allow to cool completely.
- Gently warm the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a delicate simmer, creating a smooth base for the custard.
- Combine sugar and flour in a separate mixing bowl, then incorporate egg yolks, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
- Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling, then transfer back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring consistently until the custard thickens to a luxurious texture.
- Remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract and rum, allowing the flavors to meld while cooling to room temperature.
- Whip egg whites vigorously until they form stiff, glossy peaks, then delicately fold into the cooled custard base.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until creating stiff, cloud-like peaks, then gently incorporate into the custard mixture.
- Layer the first pastry sheet in the baking dish, spreading half the custard mixture evenly across its surface, then carefully position the second pastry sheet and cover with remaining custard.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop flavors, then dust with a delicate layer of powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
- Achieving golden pastry requires careful monitoring during baking to prevent burning, watching the color change closely and rotating the baking dish if needed.
- Creating smooth custard depends on whisking constantly when adding hot milk to egg mixture, preventing egg scrambling and ensuring silky texture.
- Folding techniques matter significantly when incorporating egg whites and whipped cream, using gentle circular motions to maintain airiness and prevent deflation.
- Temperature control is crucial for this dessert, keeping ingredients cool and chilling thoroughly helps set the custard and develop optimal flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg