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Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 9 to 16 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Vanilla Slice features a luscious vanilla bean custard sandwiched between flaky, golden puff pastry sheets. The puff pastry is baked to crisp perfection and the custard, made from whole milk, egg yolks, and real vanilla bean, is thick and silky, creating a classic dessert that’s both elegant and indulgent. Ideal for chilling overnight, this slice is perfect for slicing into neat squares and dusting with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the puff pastry

  • 2 (8½ oz; 490g) sheets of puff pastry, thawed

For the vanilla bean custard

  • 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

For finishing

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  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 to prevent puffing during baking. Place the pastry sheets on the trays, then cover with another sheet of parchment and a second tray to weigh them down. If you don’t have enough sheet pans, repeat as needed.
  2. Bake the puff pastry: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Start checking around 30 minutes, but allow the pastry to cook until a deep golden brown is achieved. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
  3. Trim the edges: Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the edges of the pastry to fit an 8×8-inch square pan. It helps to place the pan on top of a sheet of puff pastry and gently trim around the edges without pressing down on the pastry.
  4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar (⅔ cup), cornstarch (½ cup), and kosher salt (¼ tsp). Add the 6 egg yolks and whisk thoroughly until combined.
  5. Warm the milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the 3½ cups of whole milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil.
  6. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour 1 cup of the warm milk into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually pour this tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking to combine.
  7. Cook the custard and add butter: Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla bean seeds and the cold cubed unsalted butter (4 Tbsp). Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth.
  8. Assemble and chill: Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang for easy removal. Place one piece of puff pastry at the bottom. Pour the warm custard over the pastry and smooth it into an even layer. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and gently press down to adhere. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Slice and serve: Use the foil overhang to lift the slice out of the pan onto a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut into 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones. For neat slices, score the top pastry first before cutting fully, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • The custard can be passed through a fine sieve before assembling for an ultra-smooth texture.
  • Pricking the puff pastry sheet prevents excessive puffing and helps achieve even baking.
  • Chilling overnight helps set the custard fully, making slicing easier and cleaner.
  • If using vanilla bean paste instead of a vanilla bean, the flavor will be slightly less intense but still delicious.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Western

Keywords: vanilla slice, custard slice, puff pastry dessert, creamy vanilla custard, classic dessert, easy vanilla slice recipe

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Find it online: https://aromaofgrandma.com/creamy-vanilla-slice-with-flaky-puff-pastry-recipe/