French Pastry Cream

Luxuriously creamy and steeped in rich vanilla flavor, French Pastry Cream (or Crème Pâtissière) is a classic custard filling perfect for elevating your favorite desserts. Made with simple ingredients like whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and butter, this velvety-smooth cream is infused with the aromatic essence of real vanilla for a depth of flavor that’s unmistakable. A technique-driven recipe, it involves tempering eggs and whisking over gentle heat to achieve that signature thick and silky texture. Whether layering it in éclairs, tarts, or fruit-filled crepes, this versatile pastry staple is the key to bakery-quality confections at home. Ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for make-ahead convenience, French Pastry Cream is bound to become your go-to recipe for an indulgent, professional touch to any dessert.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 ml Whole milk
• 100 g Granulated sugar
• 25 g Cornstarch
• 4 pieces Large egg yolks
• 50 g Unsalted butter
• 1 bean or tsp Vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or vanilla extract
• 1 pinch Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil. If using a vanilla bean, add the bean and seeds to the milk as it heats. Remove from heat and let steep to infuse the flavor, if desired.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg yolks and whisk until the mixture is smooth and pale.

Step 3

Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 4

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Continuously whisk until the cream thickens and starts to bubble. This may take 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. If you used a vanilla bean, remove it at this step.

Step 6

Stir in the butter and vanilla extract (if not using a vanilla bean) until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 7

Strain the pastry cream through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to ensure a silky texture. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 8

Chill the pastry cream in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using. Stir gently before using in your desired pastries.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(763.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1387.6

Total Fat 77.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 908.6mg	0%
Sodium 378.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g	0%
Total Sugars 125.5g
Protein 28.5g	0%

Vitamin D 298.9IU	0%
Calcium 734.7mg	0%
Iron 2.0mg	0%
Potassium 865.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 42.5%