Description
This Classic Vanilla Slice features crisp layers of puff pastry filled with a rich, silky vanilla custard. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a timeless and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets butter puff pastry, frozen
- 110 g caster sugar
- 50 g corn starch
- 8 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 750 g whole milk
- 14 g vanilla bean paste
- 125 g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50 g powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional). Line two flat trays with baking paper.
- Place puff pastry sheets on trays. Prick all over with a fork, cover with baking paper, and top with a second tray to keep flat. Bake 40–50 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
- Trim both pastry sheets to fit an 8-inch square tin.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together caster sugar and corn starch. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until just bubbling. Gradually whisk one-quarter into egg mixture to temper, then whisk in the rest along with vanilla paste.
- Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling (about 6–8 minutes). Continue whisking for 2–3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add butter gradually, whisking until smooth. Strain custard through a sieve.
- Line an 8-inch square tin with baking paper. Place one pastry sheet on the bottom. Pour warm custard on top and smooth out. Add second pastry sheet on top.
- Cover and chill for at least 5 hours or overnight until set.
- To serve, lift out using the paper. Score the top with a serrated knife, then slice cleanly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use vanilla extract if vanilla bean paste is unavailable.
- Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus version.
- Top with a simple icing instead of powdered sugar, if desired.
- Allow custard to fully boil and bubble to ensure it sets properly.
- Clean your knife between cuts for neat slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
