Classic Vanilla Slice is a wonderfully creamy and custardy dessert, nestled between layers of crisp puff pastry and topped with a smooth vanilla icing.
It’s not heavy or overly sweet, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. If you’re looking for a light and airy dessert that’s not overly sweet, you’ve come to the right place. When you make this indulgent slice with its luscious vanilla custard filling and crisp, flaky pastry, you get the perfect dessert. The addition of a sweet vanilla icing just sends it over the top. This dreamy dessert reminds me of spring picnics and afternoon tea. Not a fan of vanilla icing? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls (2 medium, 1 large)
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Baking paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup butter, cubed
For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the puff pastry sheets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Prick the pastry sheets all over with a fork to prevent them from puffing too much.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both seeds and bean to the saucepan (or add the vanilla extract).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
- Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Vanilla Slice:
- Place one sheet of puff pastry in the bottom of a square baking dish.
- Pour the cooled custard over the pastry, spreading it evenly.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the custard, pressing down gently.
- Prepare the Vanilla Icing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread the icing over the top layer of puff pastry.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled vanilla slice for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.
- Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the slice into squares.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
This Classic Vanilla Slice is a delightful and elegant dessert, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth!
Classic Vanilla Slice
Classic Vanilla Slice is a wonderfully creamy and custardy dessert, nestled between layers of crisp puff pastry and topped with a smooth vanilla icing.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls (2 medium, 1 large)
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Baking paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup butter cubed
- For the Vanilla Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the puff pastry sheets on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Prick the pastry sheets all over with a fork to prevent them from puffing too much.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both seeds and bean to the saucepan (or add the vanilla extract).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to infuse the vanilla flavor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
- Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Vanilla Slice:
- Place one sheet of puff pastry in the bottom of a square baking dish.
- Pour the cooled custard over the pastry, spreading it evenly.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the custard, pressing down gently.
- Prepare the Vanilla Icing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread the icing over the top layer of puff pastry.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled vanilla slice for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.
- Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the slice into squares.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
- This Classic Vanilla Slice is a delightful and elegant dessert, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth!
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