Vanilla Custard Slices (Mille-Feuille Style)
A classic European pastry featuring crisp, flaky puff pastry layered with smooth, creamy vanilla custard and a delicate glaze. Elegant yet surprisingly simple to make!
🛒 INGREDIENTS
For the Pastry:
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1 sheet (approx. 250g) puff pastry, thawed
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1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
For the Vanilla Custard:
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2 cups (500ml) whole milk
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
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4 large egg yolks
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2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
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2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
For the Glaze (Optional):
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½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
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¼ cup (50g) dark or white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bake the Puff Pastry:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Roll pastry to ¼-inch thickness, prick all over with a fork, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
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Place a second baking sheet on top to press the pastry flat. Bake 5 more minutes.
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Cool completely, then cut into 8–10 even rectangles.
2. Make the Vanilla Custard:
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Heat milk and vanilla in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil).
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Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until pale.
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Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
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Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick (2–3 minutes).
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Remove from heat, stir in butter until smooth.
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Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill 2 hours.
3. Assemble the Slices:
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Spread or pipe custard onto half of the pastry rectangles.
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Top with remaining pastry pieces.
4. Glaze and Decorate:
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Whisk powdered sugar and milk/lemon juice until smooth. Spread over tops.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate. Let set before serving.
💡 Tips:
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Chill custard thoroughly for easy assembly.
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For neat slices, use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts.
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Add fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa for variation.
Enjoy these elegant, creamy-vanilla slices with coffee or tea — a true pastry shop treat made at home! ☕️