Introduction: A Slice of Pure Delight
Vanilla slice, with its delicate layers of pastry and creamy vanilla custard, is a beloved dessert that never fails to captivate taste buds with its exquisite flavor and texture. In this article, we'll explore a delightful vanilla slice recipe that will transport you to dessert paradise with every heavenly bite.
1. Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 2 cups (500ml) of whole milk
- 1 cup (250ml) of heavy cream
- ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) of cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2. Instructions
Preparing the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet and prick it all over with a fork. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg, then place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and press gently to seal.
- Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly.
Assembling the Vanilla Slice:
- Once the pastry and custard have cooled, carefully cut the pastry in half lengthwise to create two equal-sized rectangles.
- Place one rectangle of pastry onto a serving platter and spread the vanilla custard evenly over the top.
- Gently place the second rectangle of pastry on top of the custard layer.
- Refrigerate the vanilla slice for at least 2 hours, or until the custard is set.
Making the Glaze and Serving:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the chilled vanilla slice, then slice into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the vanilla slice chilled and enjoy every delectable bite!
3. Tips and Variations
Flavor Variations:
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or spices to the custard, such as almond extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest.
- For a twist on tradition, try using flavored puff pastry, such as chocolate or almond, for the pastry layers.
Garnish Ideas:
- Garnish the vanilla slice with fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Conclusion:
A Taste of Elegance
With its buttery pastry, creamy custard filling, and sweet glaze, this vanilla slice recipe is a true delight for the senses. Whether served as a decadent dessert or a special treat for afternoon tea, each luscious bite promises a taste of pure bliss. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the exquisite flavor and indulgent texture of this heavenly vanilla slice.