❤️ Berry Custard Pastries ❤️
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Create deliciously simple berry custard pastries that will impress your family and friends. Flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh berries makes for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. These easy-to-follow steps ensure you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie lineup.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Berry custard pastries are more than just a dessert; they are an experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings. The combination of a flaky pastry crust with a smooth, rich custard is simply irresistible. Adding fresh berries enhances the flavor and gives a beautiful pop of color, making these pastries a visual delight that adds charm to any holiday table.
These treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of seasonal flavors. The juiciness of ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a natural sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the creamy custard. Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and temperatures, making them a standout dessert for Christmas and beyond.
Easy to Make and Customize
One of the best things about berry custard pastries is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients, including sheet pastry and a creamy custard filling, even baking novices can create impressive results. These pastries come together quickly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moments with family and friends rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings. You can substitute the berries based on your preferences or what’s in season. Try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch. Each variation will add a unique twist, ensuring you can enjoy these delightful pastries all year round.
Serve and Impress
Serving these berry custard pastries is a breeze. They can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature, making them a versatile option for parties and gatherings. Just arrange them on a beautiful platter, and watch as everyone gathers around to admire and savor these delectable treats.
For an elegant touch, consider pairing the pastries with a fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The complementary flavors will elevate the dessert experience, leaving your guests impressed with both your baking skills and your attention to detail. These pastries are sure to become a favorite not only among your guests but also in your own recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Custard Filling
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares.
Make the Custard
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Once the milk is warm, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
Assemble the Pastries
Place a spoonful of custard onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the custard and seal the edges. Brush with egg wash.
Bake
Place the pastries on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Add Toppings
Once baked, let them cool slightly, then top with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy your delicious berry custard pastries!
Tips for Perfect Pastries
To ensure your berry custard pastries turn out perfectly flaky, handle the puff pastry delicately. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to tough pastries. Always thaw it properly before rolling out, and use a sharp knife to cut into squares for clean edges.
When making the custard, keep a close eye on the saucepan and stir constantly to prevent scorching. The custard should be thick enough to hold its shape, so don’t rush the cooking process. If you notice lumps forming, simply whisk vigorously until smooth.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they can last for up to two days. Reheat them gently in the oven to restore some of the original flakiness before serving.
For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked pastries. Assemble them up to the baking step, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-lock bag and store them for several weeks. When you're ready to bake, simply cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought custard?
Absolutely! Store-bought custard can save you time.
→ How can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the pastries and custard separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
❤️ Berry Custard Pastries ❤️
Create deliciously simple berry custard pastries that will impress your family and friends. Flaky pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh berries makes for a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. These easy-to-follow steps ensure you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie lineup.
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 pastries
What You'll Need
Pastry Dough
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Custard Filling
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares.
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Once the milk is warm, slowly pour it into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
Place a spoonful of custard onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the custard and seal the edges. Brush with egg wash.
Place the pastries on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Once baked, let them cool slightly, then top with fresh berries and dust with powdered sugar.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 4 g