Pastry cream, or crème pâtissière, is a rich and creamy custard used in a variety of desserts like eclairs, fruit tarts, cream puffs, and more. It’s smooth, thick, and just the right amount of sweet, making it a versatile filling or topping. This simple recipe is easy to follow and perfect for anyone wanting to add a touch of indulgence to their baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Silky Texture: This pastry cream is smooth, thick, and creamy, making it the perfect filling for pastries and cakes.
- Versatile: It’s a foundational recipe that can be used for numerous desserts, and you can easily adapt it by adding different flavors.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is simple, yet yields professional-quality results with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- Optional: Pinch of salt for enhanced flavor