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Classic Vanilla Slice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

Classic Vanilla Slice is a delightful layered dessert featuring crisp puff pastry sheets sandwiching a creamy vanilla custard, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. This treat combines flaky texture with luscious custard, perfect for an elegant afternoon tea or a sweet finish to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry:

  • 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
  • Flour, for dusting

For the Vanilla Custard:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the pastry after baking.
  2. Prepare the Pastry: Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking dish. Transfer the rolled pastry sheet to the prepared baking dish. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to keep it from puffing up excessively during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  3. Make the Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Return this combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly before using.
  4. Assemble the Vanilla Slice: Once the first pastry layer is completely cooled, spread the prepared vanilla custard evenly over it in the baking dish. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking dish. Carefully lay this second pastry sheet over the custard layer and gently press down to adhere the layers together.
  5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary.
  6. Finish and Serve: Pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the top layer of pastry, spreading it gently with a spatula. Place the assembled vanilla slice in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the slice into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and enjoy this classic dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling to avoid cracking.
  • Pricking the pastry with a fork prevents unwanted puffing, helping to keep the layers flat and even.
  • Whisking constantly when adding hot milk to the egg yolks prevents curdling.
  • Cool the custard slightly before spreading to avoid melting the bottom pastry layer.
  • Refrigeration is important for the slice to set properly, so plan ahead.
  • For a firmer glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more.
  • This dessert is best enjoyed within 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Keywords: vanilla slice, custard slice, puff pastry dessert, classic vanilla slice, layered dessert

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/classic-vanilla-slice-recipe/