Description
Classic Berry Custard Pastries with Italian Crema Pasticcera delight palates with silky custard and fresh berries. Delicate layers of buttery pastry and rich cream promise a sublime culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 sheet (8 oz/225 g) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup (150 g) mixed fresh berries
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Milk Preparation: Gently heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat, releasing aromatic steam. If using a vanilla bean, split and immerse it to infuse rich flavor.
- Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until achieving a silky, pale yellow consistency that’s free of lumps.
- Liquid Fusion: Slowly stream warm milk into egg mixture while continuously whisking, creating a smooth, tempered base that prevents egg scrambling.
- Custard Development: Return combined mixture to saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat. Cook until the cream transforms into a thick, glossy texture that dramatically coats the back of a wooden spoon.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract or scraped bean seeds, along with optional lemon zest, ensuring complete integration of aromatics.
- Cooling Protocol: Transfer custard to a pristine bowl, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the crema to set into a luxurious, velvety consistency perfect for pastry filling.
Notes
Prevent Curdling: Slowly temper hot milk into egg mixture while constantly whisking to avoid scrambling eggs and maintain silky texture.
Control Heat Precisely: Use medium-low temperature when cooking custard, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and achieve perfect pudding-like consistency.
Strain for Smoothness: Push finished custard through fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits, ensuring ultra-smooth, professional-grade cream.
Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange zest, or swap traditional vanilla for unique taste profiles that complement berry pastries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg