Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
Delight your taste buds with these irresistibly creamy and delicately crisp Italian cream puffs filled with silky-smooth vanilla custard.
Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Biscuit Cutter
- Whisk
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet Puff pastry, thawed
Custard Filling
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4 large Egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
Finishing Touch
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Step 2: On a floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry, if needed. Slice into circles using a biscuit cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter). Prick each pastry circle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking. Arrange on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool completely.
- Step 3: While the puffs cool, prepare your custard filling. Add whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Whisk together, then set over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Once the milk mixture is warm (but not boiling), 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, stirring until thick and smooth—about 5 more minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated. Let the custard cool slightly, then transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it to the surface), and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 5: To assemble, carefully 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.
- Step 6: Finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate freshness and flavor.
Notes
For best texture, fill only what you’ll eat immediately. Unfilled puffs can be frozen for up to 2 months.