pastry cream secret recipe

Pastry cream, or crème pâtissière, is a versatile and delicious custard that serves as a base for many desserts, including éclairs, tarts, and cakes. This recipe will guide you through creating a rich and creamy pastry cream that is sure to impress. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll master this classic dessert component.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour (or until set)
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier or Amaretto) for flavor enhancement

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Plastic wrap
• Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients (Time: 5 minutes)

1. Gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will streamline the cooking process.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the Milk (Time: 5 minutes)

1. In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and place it over medium heat.
2. Heat the milk until it’s steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks (Time: 2 minutes)

1. While the milk is heating, in another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly thickened and pale in color, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the sugar-cornstarch mixture to the egg yolks, whisking continuously to combine.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Mixture (Time: 3 minutes)

1. Once the milk is steaming, slowly pour about half of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and prevents the eggs from curdling.
2. After incorporating the milk, pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.

Step 5: Cook the Pastry Cream (Time: 5 minutes)

1. Place the saucepan back over medium heat.
2. Continue to whisk the mixture constantly as it heats. It will begin to thicken after a few minutes.
3. Once it starts to bubble and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat (about 5 minutes).

Step 6: Add Flavorings (Time: 2 minutes)

1. Immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated. If using liqueur, add it at this point as well.
2. For an extra smooth texture, strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.

Step 7: Cool the Pastry Cream (Time: 1 hour)

1. Cover the surface of the pastry cream with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or until set.

Step 8: Use or Store (Time: Varies)

1. Once cooled, your pastry cream is ready to use in your favorite recipes.
2. If not using immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Pastry Cream

• Whisk Constantly: This ensures even cooking and prevents lumps from forming.
• Don’t Rush the Heating: Heating the milk too quickly can cause it to scorch, so keep the heat medium and be patient.
• Strain for Smoothness: Straining the pastry cream is an optional step, but it helps achieve a silky texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving: Approximately 1/4 cup)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 3g

Conclusion

Now that you have mastered the secret to making pastry cream, you can elevate your dessert game. Use this creamy custard to fill pastries, layer in cakes, or enjoy on its own. With practice, you’ll find that this simple yet elegant recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your delicious creations!