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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Trim pastry sheets to fit a 9-inch square baking tin using a serrated knife, creating bottom and top layers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate assembled dessert overnight to set and stabilize structure.
- Remove vanilla slice from tin and transfer to chopping board. Gently score top pastry layer with sharp serrated knife.
- 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