Description
Flaky, buttery puff pastry squares filled with luscious vanilla custard cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with roasted almonds for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean, scraped)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whole roasted almonds (or toasted sliced almonds)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly and cut into equal squares or rectangles.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar if desired.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool completely, then carefully slice each pastry square in half horizontally (like a sandwich bun).
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until just steaming (not boiling).
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and chill until firm.
- Pipe or spoon chilled custard cream generously onto the bottom half of each puff pastry.
- Place the top layer over the cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Garnish with a whole roasted almond or toasted almond slices.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling out.
- For a richer flavor, use vanilla bean instead of extract.
- Chilling the custard is essential for the right texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg