Vanilla Pastry Cream Recipe

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Heat the milk and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and boils (about 5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.

Verdict

This vanilla pastry cream is quick and easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. It is perfect for filling pies, tarts, cream puffs, or eclairs. It also makes a great pudding on its own or in combination with fruits or berries.

Serving Suggestions

• Use it as a filling for fruit tarts or cream puffs.
• Top with fresh berries or a fruit compote and serve as a pudding.
• Layer it with cake to make a classic French dessert, Gateau St. Honore.