Vanilla Custard Slice – Creamy Pastry Dessert with Icing Glaze
A timeless layered dessert featuring crisp puff pastry and rich homemade vanilla custard, perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings.
Ingredients
2 sheets frozen puff pastry (9 x 9 inches / 23 x 23 cm each), thawed
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
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Place puff pastry sheets on trays, prick with a fork, cover with parchment and weigh down with another tray.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
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Heat 3½ cups (840 ml) milk until warm.
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Whisk sugar (1 cup / 200 g), cornstarch (¾ cup / 90 g), salt, egg yolks, and remaining ½ cup (120 ml) milk until smooth.
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Gradually add warm milk while whisking. Return to saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in butter (2 tablespoons / 30 g) and vanilla (2 teaspoons).
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Place one pastry sheet in a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan. Spread custard evenly.
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Top with second pastry sheet and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
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Dust with powdered sugar and slice before serving.
Notes
Chill overnight for cleanest slices.
Use a serrated knife for neat cutting.
Store refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container.