Secret Pastry Cream Recipe

This rich and silky homemade pastry cream is perfect for filling éclairs, cream puffs, fruit tarts, donuts, cakes, and so much more

Ingredients

• 1 liter milk
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 120 g sugar
• 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 30 g butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla over medium heat until hot, but do not let it boil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
3. Add the cornstarch and mix well until smooth and lump-free.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
5. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens.
6. Once the pastry cream becomes smooth and thick, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter for an even creamier texture.
7. Let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Tips

• Add a little lemon or orange zest for extra flavor
• Perfect for cakes, pastries, donuts, and fruit tarts
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Who would love a spoonful of this creamy homemade pastry cream?