Vanilla Custard Slice, also known as Mille-Feuille, is a classic French pastry that features layers of flaky puff pastry filled with rich vanilla custard and topped with a glossy icing. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

For the Vanilla Custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Chocolate or colored icing (optional, for decorative lines)

Timing

Making Vanilla Custard Slice takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 20-25 minutes for baking, and 2-3 hours for cooling and setting.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to fit a baking tray. You should have two rectangles.
3. Prick Pastry: Place one sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Prick the surface with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
4. Bake: Bake the pastry for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
4. Cook Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
5. Cool Custard: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Assemble the Slice

1. Layer Pastry and Custard: Once the custard has cooled, place one layer of puff pastry on a serving platter. Spread half of the custard evenly over the pastry.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second layer of puff pastry on top of the custard and spread the remaining custard over it.
3. Top with Third Layer: Finally, place the third layer of puff pastry on top (if desired, you can use the same pastry sheet cut into smaller pieces).

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

1. Make Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Ice the Top: Pour the icing over the top layer of pastry, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

1. Create Patterns: If desired, use chocolate or colored icing to create decorative lines on top of the icing. Use a toothpick or skewer to drag through the lines for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled slice for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Once set, slice into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the creamy custard and flaky pastry!

Step 7: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy vanilla custard and flaky pastry!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla Custard Slice (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
• Puff Pastry: For a homemade touch, make your own puff pastry, but store-bought works perfectly for convenience.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Slice (Mille-Feuille Style) is a classic and elegant dessert that combines layers of flaky pastry with rich vanilla custard. Perfect for any occasion, this treat is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor! Enjoy this delightful recipe!