Creamy Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Squares

Crispy, buttery puff pastry filled with smooth, rich vanilla custard and topped with a light dusting of icing sugar. These delicious bakery-style pastries are perfect for tea time or dessert.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15–20 minutes Chilling time: 30 minutes Servings: 6–8 squares

Ingredients

For the puff pastry

• 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry (250–300 g)

• 1 egg, beaten (optional, for brushing)

• Icing sugar, for dusting

For the creamy vanilla custard

• 2 cups milk (500 ml)

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2–3 tablespoons whipping cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vanilla custard

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, and ½ cup of cold milk until smooth.

2. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until steaming, but do not let it boil.

3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.

4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.

5. Once the custard becomes thick and smooth, remove it from the heat.

6. Stir in the vanilla extract and butter.

7. Add whipping cream for extra richness, if desired.

8. Transfer to a bowl and cover the surface directly with cling film to prevent a skin from forming.

9. Refrigerate until completely cold.

Step 2: Bake the puff pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Place the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

3. Cut it into 12–16 equal rectangles.

4. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg if desired.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and allow the pastry to cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the squares

1. Carefully slice each cooled pastry rectangle horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.

2. Transfer the chilled custard into a piping bag or use a spoon.

3. Pipe a generous layer of custard onto the bottom half.

4. Place the top pastry layer over the custard.

5. Repeat with the remaining pastry pieces.

Step 4: Decorate and serve

Dust the tops generously with icing sugar. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for a firmer filling.

Tips for perfect custard pastry

• For extra creaminess: Fold 2–3 tablespoons of whipped cream into the fully chilled custard.

• For crisp pastry: Fill the squares shortly before serving.

• For a stronger vanilla flavour: Use good-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

• For neat squares: Use a serrated knife to cut the pastry gently without crushing the layers.

Storage: Keep the filled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1–2 days. The pastry is crispiest on the day it is assembled.