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Easy Delicious Vanilla Slice Recipe: A Classic Delight

A vanilla slice with creamy custard and flaky pastry on a white plate in a modern cafe setting with natural light and minimalist decor.

Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that promises to be both delightful and unforgettable? This Vanilla Slice Recipe is a classic treat beloved across continents, known for its creamy custard layered between crispy puff pastry sheets. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that appeals to all ages, perfect for every occasion from afternoon teas to grand celebrations. Let's dive into the delicious world of making the ultimate Vanilla Slice, where every bite is a blend of creamy sweetness and flaky texture.

What Is a Vanilla Slice?

Originating from France, where it's known as Mille-feuille and meaning "thousand leaves", the Vanilla Slice has made its way into the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. Traditionally, it consists of thin layers of puff pastry interspersed with rich, sweet custard. Over the years, various regions have adapted the recipe, adding unique twists like a layer of icing or powdered sugar on top.

Wide presentation of a Vanilla Slice on an elegant plate, highlighted by soft lighting and sophisticated tableware, emphasizing the dessert's flaky pastry and creamy custard.

In countries like Australia and New Zealand, the Vanilla Slice has become a bakery staple, often found gracing the counters of local cafés and bakeries. It’s celebrated to the extent that competitions are held to find the best version of this beloved dessert.

Why Should You Try This Vanilla Slice Recipe?

A kitchen scene showing the making of a vanilla slice recipe with ingredients like custard and puff pastry on a cutting board, in a well-equipped modern kitchen.

This recipe for a Vanilla Slice not only provides a step-by-step guide to creating this exquisite dessert at home but also dives into the art of perfecting the custard and achieving the ideal pastry texture. Here’s why this Vanilla Slice recipe deserves a place in your dessert repertoire:

  • Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a treat for the weekend, this Vanilla Slice fits perfectly.
  • Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to include toppings or flavors of your choice, making it versatile and exciting every time you bake it.

Now that you're familiar with the charm and elegance of the Vanilla Slice, let’s move on to the recipe details. Are you ready to embark on this sweet culinary adventure and create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for more?

Ratings 5 from 1 votes
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Rest Time: 5 hrs Total Time: 5 hrs 45 mins
Cooking Temp 200  °C
Servings 4
Estimated Cost 8
Calories 350
Best Season
Description

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Vanilla Slice recipe, a delightful dessert that layers creamy, rich custard between flaky sheets of golden puff pastry. Originating from France and popular in bakeries worldwide, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Each component of the Vanilla Slice, from the smooth custard to the crisp pastry, is simple to prepare with basic kitchen ingredients. Top it off with a sweet icing or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of decadence. This recipe includes step-by-step instructions to ensure your Vanilla Slice turns out perfectly every time, making it an impressive treat to share with friends and family. Enjoy the perfect blend of texture and flavor in every bite of this classic, beloved dessert.

What do you need to make this vanilla slice recipe?
    For the Custard:
  • 4 whole milk (1 liter)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (60g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 yolks
  • 1 vanilla extract
  • 1/4 salt
  • 2 unsalted butter
  • For the Pastry:
  • 2 puff pastry, thawed
  • For the Icing (optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2 milk
  • 1/2 vanilla extract
Instructions for Vanilla Slice Recipe
  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry:

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the puff pastry sheets on the baking sheet and prick them all over with a fork to prevent excessive rising. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Set aside to cool.

  2. Make the Custard:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine milk and vanilla extract and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, eggs, egg yolks, and salt until smooth.
    • Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated.
    • Let the custard cool slightly, then pour through a sieve to remove any lumps.
  3. Assemble the Vanilla Slice:A photo-realistic depiction of the steps to make a Vanilla Slice, showing preparation of puff pastry, making of custard, assembling in a dish, and icing, all set in a modern kitchen.
    • Cut one sheet of cooled pastry to fit the bottom of your 9x13 inch dish. Place the trimmed pastry in the dish.
    • Pour the warm custard over the pastry layer and smooth with a spatula.
    • Top with the second sheet of pastry, pressing down gently to adhere.
  4. Chill and Ice:
    • Refrigerate the Vanilla Slice for at least 4 hours or until the custard is set.
    • For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the top pastry layer.
    • Chill again for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts For Your Health

Servings 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 210mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 20g
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Alternative Toppings: For a less sweet option, dust with powdered sugar instead of icing.
  • Storing: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Vanilla Slice Recipe
easy recipe club's chef julia gilbert
Chef Elizabeth Gilbert
Easy Recipes Author;

Hi there! I’m Chef Elizabeth Gilbert, your go-to writer and culinary guide at easyrecipes.club. I’m absolutely passionate about exploring and sharing the rich flavors of world cuisine. From cozy comfort foods to exotic dishes that’ll transport your taste buds, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you whip up delicious meals with ease. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, I’m here to make cooking fun and accessible for everyone. Let’s get cooking and create some mouthwatering dishes together!

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