Sweet & Simple Classic Vanilla Slice Recipe: A Heavenly Treat

Crafting a delightful classic vanilla slice brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s heart.

Sweet layers of creamy custard nestled between crisp pastry sheets create a nostalgic treat.

Generations of bakers have cherished this simple yet elegant dessert from australian bakeries.

Smooth vanilla-infused filling promises a decadent experience with every delicate bite.

Pastry chefs consider this recipe a true test of culinary skill and precision.

Soft, silky textures melt in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and delicate crunch.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible classic that turns an ordinary moment into something magical.

Classic Vanilla Slice to Enjoy

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this vanilla slice requires basic kitchen techniques and simple ingredients anyone can master.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal active cooking time makes this dessert ideal for busy home cooks who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Universally loved by both kids and adults, this classic dessert delivers a perfect balance of crispy pastry and smooth, creamy custard that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Stunning Presentation: Elegantly layered with a professional look, this vanilla slice impresses guests at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings without demanding complex decorating skills.

Ingredients for Classic Vanilla Slice

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets: A delicate base that provides a crisp and flaky foundation for the classic vanilla slice.
• Pastry Parchment Paper: Essential for preventing the pastry from sticking and ensuring even baking.

• Egg Yolks: Rich and creamy component that helps thicken and enrich the custard filling.
• Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth custard texture.
• Corn Starch: Crucial for thickening the custard and creating a stable, silky consistency.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base that transforms the ingredients into a smooth custard.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Delivers an authentic and intense vanilla flavor to the dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the creamy, luxurious custard texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet topping that enhances the dessert's visual appeal.
• Sharp Serrated Knife: Important for cutting clean, precise slices of the dessert.

How to Make Classic Vanilla Slice

Step 1: Prepare Golden Pastry Sheets

Warm up the oven to a gentle 150°C. Spread frozen puff pastry sheets on baking trays lined with parchment paper.

Let the pastry soften naturally. Poke tiny holes across the surface using a fork.

Cover with another parchment sheet and place a second tray on top. Bake until the pastry turns a beautiful golden shade, around 20 minutes.

Allow pastry to cool completely. Using a square 9-inch tin as a guide, carefully trim pastry sheets to perfectly fit the bottom and top of the tin.

Step 2: Create Silky Custard Base

• Caster sugar
• Corn starch

Whisk these ingredients together. Gently fold in egg yolks, creating a smooth mixture.

Slowly stream in hot milk while whisking continuously. Add vanilla bean paste, ensuring everything blends seamlessly.

Step 3: Cook Luscious Custard

Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the custard transforms into a thick, luxurious texture.

This takes about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter until completely melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Layered Dessert

Line a baking tin with parchment paper, covering bottom and sides. Place the first pastry sheet inside.

Gently sieve the custard over the pastry, spreading evenly with a spatula. Top with the second pastry sheet.

Refrigerate overnight to allow the dessert to set perfectly.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Carefully remove the pastry from the tin and transfer to a chopping board.

Take a sharp serrated knife and score the top layer gently. Slice through the entire dessert in smooth, confident motions.

Clean the knife between each cut for pristine slices. Dust the top with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

Pro Tips for Classic Vanilla Slice

• Opt for high-quality puff pastry sheets to ensure a crisp, flaky base that elevates the dessert's texture.
• Whisk custard mixture continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky consistency.
• Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and custard to set properly, resulting in clean, precise slices.
• Use a hot, clean knife when cutting to create neat, professional-looking portions without dragging the custard.
• Try flavor variations by adding lemon zest or replacing vanilla with almond extract for a unique twist.

Flavor Variations on Classic Vanilla Slice

• Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Replace vanilla bean paste with rich dark chocolate, adding cocoa powder to the custard for an intense chocolate experience.
• Tropical Fruit Infusion: Incorporate coconut milk instead of regular milk and add mango puree to the custard for a vibrant, tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute puff pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets or almond flour-based layers, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dessert.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of caster sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic vanilla slice texture and taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Classic Vanilla Slice

• A crisp, chilled Earl Grey tea complements the vanilla slice's creamy texture, its delicate bergamot notes enhancing the dessert's subtle sweetness.
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tangy, vibrant counterpoint to the rich custard, cutting through the dessert's dense creaminess.
• A light Moscato d'Asti brings effervescent sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the vanilla slice, its gentle bubbles and honeyed undertones creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• A classic espresso or cappuccino offers a robust, slightly bitter contrast that beautifully balances the slice's sugary, smooth custard layers.

Storage Tips for Classic Vanilla Slice

• Store the vanilla slice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other food odors and to maintain its freshness.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid microwaving, as this will make the pastry soggy. Instead, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before serving. For a crisp pastry, briefly place in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• Why do I need to prick the puff pastry before baking?

Pricking the pastry prevents it from puffing up unevenly and helps create a flat, uniform surface for layering the custard.

• Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract, but the flavor might be slightly less intense. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.

• How do I prevent lumps in the custard?

Whisk continuously while adding hot milk to the sugar and egg yolk mixture, and keep whisking constantly while cooking to ensure a smooth, lump-free custard.

Classic Vanilla Slice Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky classic vanilla slice originates from Australian bakeries, offering a sweet nostalgic treat. Delicate pastry layers and creamy vanilla custard create a simple yet elegant dessert you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 egg yolks
• 750 mL (25.4 fl oz) milk (heated)
• 110 g (3.9 oz) caster sugar
• 113 g (4 oz) unsalted butter
• 40 g (1.4 oz) corn starch
• 50 g (1.8 oz) powdered sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla bean paste
• 2 sheets frozen butter puff pastry

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Instructions

1. Prepare pastry sheets by thawing frozen puff pastry at room temperature. Preheat oven to 150°C. Place pastry on parchment-lined baking trays, prick surface with fork, and cover with another parchment sheet and baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
2. Trim pastry sheets to fit a 9-inch square baking tin using a serrated knife, creating bottom and top layers.
3. Create custard by whisking caster sugar and corn starch in a heat-proof bowl. Add egg yolks and gradually incorporate hot milk while continuously whisking. Introduce vanilla bean paste.
4. Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for 5-6 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and blend in unsalted butter until fully integrated.
5. Line baking tin with parchment paper. Place bottom pastry layer inside tin. Strain custard evenly over pastry, smoothing surface with spatula. Position top pastry layer carefully.
6. Refrigerate assembled dessert overnight to set and stabilize structure.
7. Remove vanilla slice from tin and transfer to chopping board. Gently score top pastry layer with sharp serrated knife.
8. Slice dessert in clean, decisive cuts, wiping knife between each cut to ensure precise edges. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Ensure pastry is evenly golden by rotating baking trays midway through cooking to prevent uneven browning.
• Sieving custard prevents lumps, creating a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling overnight allows flavors to meld and helps the slice set perfectly, making cutting easier and cleaner.
• For gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based pastry sheets.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg