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Berry Custard Pastries With Italian Crema Pasticcera Recipe

Berry Custard Pastries With Italian Crema Pasticcera Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. Thoroughly blend egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gradually introduce the heated milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling and ensure smooth incorporation.
  4. Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan, maintaining medium heat while stirring consistently to prevent scorching and encourage thickening.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract (if not using a bean) and optional lemon zest, stirring until fully integrated.
  7. Carefully pour the custard into a clean bowl, pressing plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent skin formation.
  8. 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