Custard Filled Pastries

Custard-filled pastries are a delicious treat that combine rich, creamy custard with a flaky, buttery pastry. You can make them in many forms, such as cream puffs, eclairs, or danishes, but here’s a simple recipe for custard-filled pastries using puff pastry (for an easy yet impressive result) and a homemade vanilla custard filling.

Table of Contents

Custard-Filled Pastries Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Custard Filling:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 large egg yolks
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Pastry:

1 package puff pastry (usually 2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Custard Filling:

Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Remove from heat once it starts to steam and bubbles form around the edges.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and cornstarch until smooth and pale.

Temper the egg mixture: Slowly add about half of the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly (this is called “tempering” to avoid scrambling the eggs). Once the egg mixture is warmed, pour it back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
Cook the custard: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 5–7 minutes). Be patient and keep whisking to prevent lumps.
Finish the custard: Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let the custard cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate to chill.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out creases. Cut them into squares (about 3×3 inches) or rectangles, depending on the shape you prefer for your pastries.
Egg wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl with a splash of water. Brush the edges of the pastry pieces with the egg wash to help them puff up and turn golden while baking.

3. Assemble the Pastries:

Fill with custard: Place a spoonful of the cooled or chilled custard filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Don’t overfill; you want enough space for the pastry to puff up around the custard.
Fold and seal: If you prefer, fold the puff pastry into triangles, rectangles, or small pockets, then press the edges with a fork to seal. Alternatively, you can keep them open-faced, allowing the custard to show through the center.

4. Bake:

Bake the pastries: Place the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.

Cool slightly: Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before handling. If you made open-faced pastries, the custard may be slightly runny, so be careful.

5. Finishing Touches:

Dust with powdered sugar: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Serve: Serve the custard-filled pastries while still warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

Flavor variations: You can customize the custard by adding a splash of rum, almond extract, or a bit of lemon zest to the filling for added flavor.
Pastry Options: You can use choux pastry for cream puffs or éclairs if you prefer a lighter, airier base. You can also use ready-made puff pastry as an easier alternative to making your own dough.
Custard Consistency: If you like a thicker custard, you can increase the cornstarch by 1 tablespoon. For a lighter, creamier custard, reduce the cornstarch by half.

Serving Suggestions:

With fruit: Add fresh fruit on top of the pastries, like berries, slices of strawberries, or raspberries, to add a refreshing contrast to the creamy custard.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent dessert.

Enjoy your custard-filled pastries – perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat after a meal!