Vanilla Pastry Cream

This classic French vanilla pastry cream is perfect for tarts, cream puffs, éclairs, and more.

⏱️ 20 min 🔪 Prep: 10 min 🔥 Cook: 10 min 📊 Easy 👁️ 2 views
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Vanilla Pastry Cream Foto: Once Upon a Chef

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 2 cups whole milk ()
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon rum (optional)

Steps

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). Stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks until smooth and pale.

  3. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

  4. Pour the tempered mixture into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened to a pudding-like consistency, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and rum (if using) until fully incorporated.

  5. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled, 2 to 3 hours. Whisk before using to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Macronutrients

Calories643% DV

*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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