Go Back

Puff Pastry Custard Dessert

A cozy, buttery dessert featuring layers of flaky puff pastry filled with smooth custard, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Puff Pastry
  • 1 package store-bought puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed) Keep cold until baking.
Custard Base
  • 1.5 cups full-fat milk Makes rich custard.
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream Use whole dairy for best results.
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 2/3 cup caster sugar Dissolves faster for smooth custard.
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed) Helps control salt.
  • 6 pieces beaten egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar (for serving)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Roll out each puff pastry sheet gently and prick all over with a fork.
  3. Optionally cover each sheet with another piece of parchment and a second baking sheet as weight for flatter layers.
  4. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. Remove and cool completely.
Making Custard
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm milk, cream, butter, vanilla, and sugar until small bubbles form at the edge.
  2. Whisk flour and water into a smooth slurry, then stir it into the hot milk.
  3. Return to heat and cook, stirring, until it thickens (about 30-60 seconds).
  4. Whisk a little hot custard into the egg yolks to temper, then whisk yolks back into the saucepan. Cook for another 20-30 seconds until silky and thick.
Assembly
  1. Spread the custard over one puff pastry sheet.
  2. Top with the second sheet and press edges to seal.
  3. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set.
  4. Serve dusted with powdered sugar and sliced.

Notes

You can sprinkle cinnamon or lemon zest into the custard for bright flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftover idea: Turn scraps into a custard sandwich or layer into an afternoon parfait.