5 from 15 votes
Pastry Cream
Pastry Cream is a smooth, thick custard made with milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla, cooked until firm. It serves as a rich filling for pastries like fruit tarts or layer cakes. The gentle cooking process thickens the mixture without curdling, resulting in a creamy texture with subtle vanilla flavor. This versatile cream can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
4
servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories:
381 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
French
Ingredients
For the pastry cream:
- 2 cups milk see note 1, whole
- 6 large egg yolk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see note 2)
Instructions
To make the pastry cream:
- In a medium non-aluminum saucepan over medium heat, warm milk until tiny bubbles appear on the surface, about 6 to 8 minutes (about 180 degrees Farenheit). Stir to prevent the milk from scalding.
- Meanwhile, In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Whisk in cornstarch and salt. While whisking constantly, pour in half of the hot milk. Whisk in remaining hot milk and return to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a firm consistency, about 5 to 8 minutes. Whisk in vanilla. Remove from heat. Scrape in to a bowl. Cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or refrigerate (cover with plastic wrap, pressing plastic directly on the surface of the cream).
Cup of Yum
Notes
- The pastry cream can be made up to four days ahead and should be stored covered in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent a skin forming.
- Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almond Milk can be substituted for whole milk without affecting the texture.
- A split vanilla pod may be used in place of vanilla extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
- This recipe yields just over 2 1/4 cups of pastry cream, adequate for one fresh fruit tart or Danish layer cake.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0.5 cup
Calories
381kcal
(19%)
Carbohydrates
64g
(21%)
Protein
8g
(16%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
290mg
(97%)
Sodium
205mg
(9%)
Potassium
214mg
(5%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
56g
(112%)
Vitamin A
565IU
(11%)
Calcium
184mg
(18%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings (1/2 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 381
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5 cup | |
| Calories | 381kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 290mg | 97% |
| Sodium | 205mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 214mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 56g | 112% |
| Vitamin A | 565IU | 11% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.