Creamy Vanilla Slice

 Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

🥐 Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry

🍰 Introduction: The Dessert That Melts Hearts

There’s something truly magical about a Creamy Vanilla Slice with Flaky Puff Pastry. Picture layers of buttery, golden pastry that shatter delicately under your fork, revealing a silky-smooth vanilla custard filling that’s rich, creamy, and elegant. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispness and creaminess — the essence of dessert bliss.

Known as Mille-Feuille in France and affectionately called the “Snot Block” in Australia, this dessert transcends names and cultures. It’s the ultimate combination of simple ingredients and exquisite results. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a dinner party, or just because you deserve a treat, this homemade vanilla slice will impress every guest at your table.

🥐 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Flaky Perfection: Buttery puff pastry bakes into golden, crispy layers.

Luscious Vanilla Cream: A smooth, not-too-sweet custard that melts in your mouth.

Elegant Yet Easy: Looks bakery-worthy but uses simple ingredients and techniques.

Customizable: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or berries for creative twists.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling overnight.

🧂 Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Puff Pastry Layers:

2 sheets of puff pastry – The crisp, golden structure of the dessert.

1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting) – Helps caramelize the top for extra color and flavor.

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

4 cups (1 L) whole milk – Adds creaminess and structure to the custard.

1 cup (200g) sugar – Enhances flavor without overpowering the vanilla.

¾ cup (100g) cornstarch – Thickens the custard to the perfect consistency.

6 large egg yolks – Provide richness and a glossy texture.

2 tsp pure vanilla extract – The star ingredient, bringing warmth and aroma.

½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional) – Makes the custard even more luxurious.

¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter – Adds smoothness and shine.

For the Vanilla Icing (Optional):

1½ cups (190g) powdered sugar

2–3 tbsp milk or water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp melted chocolate (optional for decoration)

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line trays with parchment paper.

Prick pastry sheets all over with a fork to prevent puffing.

Place another parchment sheet on top and weigh down with a baking tray.

Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely and trim edges evenly.