Vanilla Custard Slice – Creamy Pastry Dessert with Icing Glaze

There’s something timeless about a Classic Custard Slice. It’s the kind of dessert that feels right at home on a sunlit afternoon tea table, at a family gathering, or served as a comforting weekend treat after dinner. With its crisp, flaky puff pastry layers and thick, silky vanilla custard center, every bite delivers a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.

This recipe is inspired by traditional European bakery-style custard slices that many of us grew up admiring in pastry shop windows. The delicate layers, the dusting of powdered sugar, and that rich vanilla aroma evoke memories of celebrations, Sunday lunches, and homemade desserts made with care. Now, you can recreate that nostalgic classic in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Custard Slice

A custard slice is more than just a dessert; it’s a sensory experience. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Perfect texture contrast – Crisp puff pastry paired with smooth, creamy custard.

• Rich vanilla flavor – Made with real vanilla extract for authentic taste.

• Impressive yet approachable – Looks bakery-worthy but is achievable at home.

• Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for gatherings, parties, and holidays.

• Simple ingredients – Pantry staples transform into an elegant dessert.

Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea or simply craving something indulgent, this vanilla custard slice recipe delivers every time.

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Ingredients for Classic Custard Slice

For the Puff Pastry Layers

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (each about 9 x 9 inches / 23 x 23 cm), thawed

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Creamy Vanilla Custard Filling

• 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• ¾ cup (90 g) cornstarch

• 4 large egg yolks

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter

• ¼ teaspoon fine salt

These carefully balanced measurements ensure a custard that is thick enough to hold its shape while remaining smooth and luxurious.

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How to Make Classic Custard Slice

Step 1: Bake the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.

3. Place each sheet of puff pastry on a tray.

4. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.

5. Place another sheet of parchment on top and weigh down with a second baking tray.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

7. Allow to cool completely.

Keeping the pastry flat ensures clean layers that are easier to slice later.

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Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

1. In a large saucepan, heat 3½ cups (840 ml) of milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar (1 cup / 200 g), cornstarch (¾ cup / 90 g), and salt (¼ teaspoon).

3. Add egg yolks and the remaining ½ cup (120 ml) milk. Whisk until smooth.

4. Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.

5. Return mixture to the saucepan.

6. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–8 minutes).

7. Remove from heat and stir in butter (2 tablespoons / 30 g) and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons).

8. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

The custard should be thick and glossy, similar to a pudding consistency.

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Step 3: Assemble the Custard Slice

1. Place one cooled puff pastry sheet in a lined 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) square pan.

2. Pour warm custard evenly over the base.

3. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

4. Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top.

5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Chilling allows the custard to fully set, ensuring clean, defined slices.

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Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar (2 tablespoons).

2. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles.

3. For neat cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices.

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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Tips for the Perfect Custard Slice

Keep Pastry Crisp

Bake the pastry thoroughly until deeply golden. Undercooked pastry can become soggy once layered with custard.

Whisk Constantly

Continuous stirring prevents lumps and ensures a silky custard texture.

Chill Thoroughly

A minimum of 4 hours is essential, but overnight chilling produces the cleanest slices.

Cut the Top First

Some bakers prefer cutting the top pastry into squares before placing it on the custard to avoid cracking.

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Serving Suggestions

Classic Custard Slice pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries

• A cup of hot tea or coffee

• Light fruit coulis drizzled on the plate

• Whipped cream on the side

It makes a stunning addition to dessert tables and holiday spreads.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as custard texture may change.

• Make ahead: Best prepared one day before serving.

The custard firms beautifully overnight, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my custard turn out lumpy?

Lumpy custard usually results from cooking at too high a temperature or not whisking continuously. Cornstarch thickens quickly once heated, so constant stirring is essential. If lumps form, you can quickly blend the hot custard using an immersion blender until smooth. Another common mistake is adding hot milk too quickly to the egg mixture. Always temper slowly while whisking to prevent the eggs from cooking unevenly. Proper heat control and patience are key to achieving a smooth, creamy custard slice filling.

2. How do I keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

The key is baking the pastry thoroughly and allowing it to cool completely before assembly. Docking (pricking with a fork) and baking with a tray on top helps keep it flat and crisp. Once assembled, refrigeration helps set the custard without overly softening the pastry. For even better results, you can brush a very thin layer of melted white chocolate over the bottom pastry layer and let it set before adding custard. This creates a moisture barrier that helps maintain crispness.

3. Can I use store-bought custard instead?

While store-bought custard is convenient, it often lacks the thickness and rich flavor needed for a proper custard slice. Homemade custard provides better structure and a more authentic taste. If you must use pre-made custard, ensure it is thick enough to hold shape when sliced. You may need to heat and thicken it further with additional cornstarch dissolved in a small amount of milk. However, making custard from scratch only takes about 10 minutes and significantly improves the final result.

4. Why does my custard slice crack when cutting?

Cracking typically happens when the top pastry shatters under pressure. To avoid this, use a sharp serrated knife and apply gentle sawing motions rather than pressing down firmly. Some bakers pre-cut the top pastry sheet into serving-sized squares before placing it on the custard layer. This method prevents cracking and ensures neat, bakery-style presentation. Chilling the slice thoroughly also helps maintain clean lines when cutting.

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Variations to Try

While the classic vanilla custard slice is timeless, you can experiment with:

• Adding lemon zest to the custard for brightness

• Layering thinly sliced strawberries on top of the custard

• Drizzling a simple icing glaze instead of powdered sugar

• Adding a touch of almond extract alongside vanilla

Each variation offers a subtle twist while preserving the dessert’s signature structure.

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Final Thoughts

Classic Custard Slice is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. Its elegant simplicity makes it suitable for both casual family gatherings and more formal celebrations. The golden, flaky pastry layers provide a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the thick, creamy vanilla custard center. Every bite is balanced, not overly sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

What makes this dessert truly special is its nostalgic charm. It reminds us of bakery counters filled with tempting treats and special occasions where homemade desserts took center stage. Yet despite its refined appearance, this custard slice is surprisingly approachable. With careful layering and patience during chilling, anyone can achieve impressive results.

This recipe also invites creativity. Once you master the base technique, you can experiment with flavors and presentations while still preserving the traditional essence. Whether served with tea in the afternoon or as the grand finale to a dinner party, it consistently earns compliments.

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated, this Classic Custard Slice is the perfect choice. Take your time, follow each step, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating a timeless pastry that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

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