Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake

Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake is made with layers of flaky puff pastry and creamy vanilla custard. It serves 6–8 people and takes about 40 minutes to prepare and chill. A classic European dessert with simple ingredients and rich flavor.

Try More Summer Desserts Recipes:

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

💛 Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake:

Simple ingredients, impressive results – Made with affordable, everyday ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, and frozen puff pastry, this cake delivers a fancy bakery-style dessert without a big price tag.
Silky vanilla custard meets crisp, flaky pastry – Every bite gives a perfect contrast between the soft, creamy custard filling and the golden, delicate layers of puff pastry.
No electric mixer required – You don’t need fancy equipment to make this cake. A whisk, saucepan, and baking tray are all you need.
Light but satisfying – Unlike heavy cakes, this one is airy and refreshing, making it ideal for warmer months or after a big meal.

🥚 Ingredients:

2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

🥮 Instructions:

Bake Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place puff pastry sheets on baking trays, poke holes with a fork, and bake 15-20 minutes until golden. Let cool.
Make Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, mix milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over medium until hot. Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly pour hot milk into yolks while whisking. Return to pot and stir until thick.
Finish Custard: Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Let custard cool slightly.
Assemble Cake: Place one puff pastry sheet on a serving plate. Spread custard evenly. Top with second pastry sheet.
Chill: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until set. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

✅Recipe Tips:

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
Don’t overcook custard or it may curdle.
Press down gently on the top layer for neater slices.
For crispier layers, bake pastry ahead and assemble just before serving.
Add whipped cream or fruit for extra flavor.

🍨 What To Serve With Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake?

Serve Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs well with hot tea, coffee or a sparkling fruit drink.

❄️ How To Store Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake?

Refrigerator: Store leftovers vanilla custard puff pastry cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze vanilla custard puff pastry cake for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in fridge overnight.

❓ FAQs

Can I make Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake ahead of time?

Yes, Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until serving.

Is Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake hard to slice?

No, Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake is easy to slice if properly chilled. Let it set for at least 4 hours (overnight is best), then use a sharp serrated knife. Wiping the knife clean between each slice helps maintain sharp layers and a neat presentation.

Can I use instant custard mix for Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake?

Yes, you can use instant custard mix to save time. It’s convenient and gives a smooth texture. However, homemade custard made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla provides a richer, more authentic flavor and creamier texture.

Does Vanilla Custard Puff Pastry Cake get soggy?

If stored too long or not kept cold, the bottom pastry layer may absorb moisture and soften. To avoid sogginess, assemble the cake a few hours before serving and always store it chilled.

How do I prevent puff pastry from puffing too much?

To get flat, even pastry layers, prick (dock) the pastry all over with a fork before baking. You can also place a sheet of parchment paper on top and add another baking sheet to weigh it down. This keeps the pastry flat and perfect for layering.

What if my custard is too thin?

Thin custard usually means it wasn’t cooked long enough. Return it to the heat and cook gently while stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient and avoid high heat, which can curdle the eggs.

How long does the custard take to thicken?

Custard usually takes 5–8 minutes over medium heat to thicken. Stir constantly and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent burning. Once it thickly coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it, it’s ready.

Try More Summer Desserts Recipes: