Name: Decadent Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake
Ingredients: 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed – This is the foundation of your cake. Be sure to use high-quality, frozen puff pastry for the best results.; 4 cups of whole milk – Adds creaminess to the custard. You can substitute with almond milk or soy milk for lactose-free options, though the texture may slightly change.; 1 cup of granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors of the dish. You can use a sugar substitute if needed.; 6 egg yolks – Essential for creating a rich and creamy texture. For a vegan option, consider using silken tofu combined with cornstarch; however, the flavor and texture will differ.; 1/3 cup of cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for the custard. This ingredient is important for achieving the right consistency.; 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract – This is crucial for flavor. Use real vanilla extract for an authentic taste, or substitute with vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.; Powdered sugar for dusting – This adds an elegant finish to your cake and enhances its visual appeal.

Description

Savor flaky puff pastry layered with creamy vanilla custard—a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed – This is the foundation of your cake. Be sure to use high-quality, frozen puff pastry for the best results.
4 cups of whole milk – Adds creaminess to the custard. You can substitute with almond milk or soy milk for lactose-free options, though the texture may slightly change.
1 cup of granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors of the dish. You can use a sugar substitute if needed.
6 egg yolks – Essential for creating a rich and creamy texture. For a vegan option, consider using silken tofu combined with cornstarch; however, the flavor and texture will differ.
1/3 cup of cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for the custard. This ingredient is important for achieving the right consistency.
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract – This is crucial for flavor. Use real vanilla extract for an authentic taste, or substitute with vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
Powdered sugar for dusting – This adds an elegant finish to your cake and enhances its visual appeal.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the pastry won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the two sheets of puff pastry slightly to increase their size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space in between. Prick the surface of each pastry sheet with a fork to prevent puffing too much during baking.
Bake the Pastry: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the 4 cups of whole milk and half of the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until it starts steaming, but do not let it come to a boil.
Mix the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 6 egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and the 1/3 cup of cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Warm Milk Gradually: Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continually. This step is crucial to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
Thicken the Custard: Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the custard thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Look for a custard that coats the back of a spoon.
Incorporate Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the custard’s surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Assemble the Cake: Once the pastry and custard have cooled completely, take one pastry sheet and spread the cooled custard evenly on top. Carefully place the second pastry sheet over the custard layer, pressing gently to adhere.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Your Decadent Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake is now ready to be enjoyed!