How to Make Vanilla Pastry Cream - A Step-by-Step Guide

Vanilla pastry cream is a luxurious and creamy custard that is an essential component in many classic dessert recipes. Made with simple ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla bean, this sweet and velvety custard is used to fill tarts, cakes, éclairs, and other decadent pastries. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, vanilla pastry cream adds a delightful sweetness and depth to any dessert it graces.

Creating this delectable pastry cream is easier than you might think, and ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pinch salt

Information

  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 3 cups

  • Place the milk, half the sugar and the vanilla bean in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Combine the egg yolks and the remaining sugar in a bowl and whisk until light in color. Add in the flour and the salt, mix to combine.
  • When the milk just begins to boil, remove from heat and remove vanilla bean. Very slowly dribble the hot milk into the yolk mixture, stirring all the time. When about half of the milk has been added, place all of the yolk mixture into the saucepan over medium heat. Using a spatula or a whisk, mix the pastry cream as it heats, making sure to reach all of the corners of the pan when you stir. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. The mixture will be thick.
  • Remove from heat and add the butter. Strain if you wish for a smoother cream. Place into a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming on the cream. Chill and use within a few days.
  • Nutrition

    127 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 116mg
    • Sodium: 34mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 14g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 11g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 74mg