Description
Silky berry custard pastries with Italian crema pasticcera deliver a delightful dance of creamy richness and fruity freshness. Sweet layers of buttery pastry and velvety custard promise a quick escape to Mediterranean dessert bliss you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 sheet (8 oz/225 g) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup (150 g) mixed fresh berries
Pastry Cream Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Gently warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat until wisps of steam emerge, avoiding boiling. If utilizing a vanilla bean, carefully split it lengthwise and incorporate both seeds and pod into the warming milk.
- Thoroughly blend egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gradually introduce the heated milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan, maintaining medium heat while stirring consistently to prevent scorching and encourage thickening.
- Continue cooking and whisking the custard until it reaches a luxurious, pudding-like texture, approximately 5-7 minutes. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon and hold a distinct line when a finger is drawn across.
- Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract (if not using a bean) and optional lemon zest, stirring until fully integrated.
- Carefully pour the custard into a clean bowl, pressing plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent skin formation.
- Refrigerate the cream for a minimum of one hour, allowing it to completely cool and set, which will enhance its smooth, velvety consistency.
Notes
- Temper eggs gradually by slowly adding hot milk while whisking to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth custard texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla beans or pure extract for the most intense, authentic flavor profile in the crema pasticcera.
- Customize the custard by swapping lemon zest with orange zest or adding a splash of liqueur like Marsala for a sophisticated twist.
- Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using lactose-free milk, almond milk, or replacing cornstarch with arrowroot for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg