Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
Delightful treats that combine a crispy outer layer with a rich custard filling, perfect for gatherings or home enjoyment.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet Puff pastry, thawed Make sure it's fully thawed before using.
Custard Filling
- 2 cups Whole milk Use fresh milk for the best flavor.
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4 large Egg yolks Be careful when tempering with the warm milk mixture.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Stir in when the custard is removed from the heat.
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting Dust just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface, and cut into circles using a biscuit cutter.
- Prick each pastry circle with a fork and arrange on the baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed, then let cool completely.
Custard Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Set over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly adding a bit of the hot liquid while whisking.
- Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and unsalted butter until melted and incorporated.
- Let cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembly
- Slice each cooled pastry puff in half horizontally.
- Spoon or pipe a generous amount of chilled custard onto the bottom half, then replace the top.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking to prevent sticking. Experiment with different custard flavors like chocolate or lemon.