Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares are crisp, layered pastry slices filled with silky vanilla custard and dusted with powdered sugar. Often referred to as Napoleon pastries, they are rich, flaky, and refined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic French pastry style
• Buttery, crisp layers
• Rich vanilla custard center
• Eye-catching and indulgent
• Perfect for celebrations or coffee breaks

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets
• Milk
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract or bean
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Raspberries (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Bake Puff Pastry: Roll out and bake puff pastry sheets until crisp and golden. Cool completely.
2. Make Custard: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly add warm milk. Cook until thickened, stir in vanilla and butter. Cool.
3. Assemble: Layer puff pastry with custard in between. Repeat layers.
4. Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for 2 hours, then slice into squares. Dust with sugar and garnish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 slices
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking/Baking time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: About 3 hours

Variations

• Add fruit between layers
• Use chocolate or coffee custard
• Top with fondant glaze

Storage/Reheating

Best eaten fresh. Store chilled in a container for up to 2 days. Not suitable for reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, but homemade gives better flavor.

Why is my pastry soggy?

Cool all components before assembling.

Can I freeze mille-feuille?

Not recommended—pastry softens on thawing.

Can I flavor the custard?

Yes, try citrus zest, coffee, or almond extract.

Is it hard to cut?

Use a serrated knife and chill thoroughly.

Can I skip the top layer?

Yes, make open-faced versions for simplicity.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare the day before.

How do I prevent collapsing?

Chill between adding layers.

Are they messy to eat?

Slightly, but worth it for the texture.

Can I dust with cocoa?

Yes, for a richer finish.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares are a bakery-worthy treat that combines flaky pastry with luscious cream. Each slice offers a refined bite of texture, sweetness, and classic pastry craftsmanship.

Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares

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Vanilla Custard Mille-Feuille Squares are elegant French-style pastries featuring layers of crisp puff pastry and rich vanilla custard, topped with powdered sugar—perfect for refined desserts and special occasions.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 6–8 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry sheets and prick with a fork. Bake between parchment and baking sheets for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming (not boiling). In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk warm milk into the egg mixture, then return to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and butter. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill until cool.
5. Cut pastry sheets into equal-sized rectangles or squares.
6. Layer one sheet of pastry, spread custard over it, and repeat with a second pastry sheet and more custard. Top with final layer of pastry.
7. Chill for at least 2 hours to set. Use a serrated knife to slice into squares.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with raspberries before serving.

Notes

• Ensure pastry and custard are fully cooled before assembling to maintain crispness.
• Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
• Customize custard flavor with citrus zest, coffee, or almond extract.
• Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between layers for fruitiness.
• Serve immediately after slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 120mg