Kremsnita (Cremeschnitte) – Classic Slovenian/Croatian Custard Slice
Layers of flaky puff pastry filled with vanilla custard cream and topped with powdered sugar—a beloved Balkan dessert!
🍰 Ingredients (Serves 12)
For the Pastry Layers:
- 1 lb (450g) puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)
For the Custard Cream:
- 4 cups (1L) whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed
For Topping:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for decoration)
📝 Instructions
1. Bake the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out 2 pastry sheets to fit a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking tray. Prick with a fork.
- Bake 15-20 mins until golden and puffed. Press down gently with a spatula while warm to flatten. Cool completely.
2. Make the Custard Cream
- Heat milk with vanilla in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, flour, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Temper eggs: Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick (5-7 mins). Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted.
- Cover with plastic wrap (touching surface) and cool to room temp.
3. Assemble
- Place 1 pastry sheet on a tray. Spread all the custard evenly over it.
- Top with the second pastry sheet. Chill 2 hours to set.
4. Decorate
- Dust heavily with powdered sugar. For a classic look, use a stencil to create a cocoa powder pattern.
5. Serve
- Cut into squares with a hot knife (dip in hot water for clean slices).
💡 Tips
✔ Save time: Use store-bought custard powder (follow package instructions for 4 cups).
✔ Extra crisp pastry: Bake sheets separately, then assemble.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble 1 day in advance (store chilled).
☕ Serving Suggestion
Pair with espresso or dessert wine for an authentic experience.
A melt-in-your-mouth slice of Balkan tradition! 🇸🇮🇭🇷
(Store refrigerated for 3 days—best eaten fresh.)
