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Creamy Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

Flaky puff pastry layered with silky vanilla custard and whipped cream creates the perfect elegant dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry Layers

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

For the Vanilla Custard

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 8 eggs, separated
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp rum (optional)

For the Whipped Cream Topping

  • 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar + extra for dusting

Instructions
 

1. Bake the Puff Pastry

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lay each puff pastry sheet on its own baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and puffed.
  • Let both sheets cool completely.

2. Prepare the Custard Base

  • In a saucepan, heat 3 cups of milk until it begins to simmer.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and creamy.
  • Add flour, vanilla, rum (optional), and remaining 1 cup of milk, whisking until smooth.

3. Cook the Custard

  • Slowly pour the egg mixture into the hot milk while stirring constantly.
  • Continue cooking until thick, smooth, and creamy.
  • Remove from heat and set aside briefly.

4. Fold in the Egg Whites

  • Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold them into the warm custard for a light, airy texture.

5. Assemble the Dessert

  • Place one baked pastry sheet into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Spread the entire custard mixture evenly over the top.
  • Refrigerate 1–2 hours or until fully set.

6. Add the Whipped Cream Layer

  • Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread the whipped cream over the chilled custard.

7. Add the Top Pastry Layer

  • Cut the second pastry sheet into 15 squares.
  • Arrange neatly over the whipped cream layer.
  • Chill for another 2 hours.

8. Serve

  • Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Chill time is essential for clean slices and defined layers.
  • Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor.
  • Let the custard cool slightly before adding egg whites to avoid deflating them.
  • If the top pastry puffs unevenly, gently press it down after baking.