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Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Bake Puff Pastry: Place each sheet of puff pastry on a prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick the pastry all over to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
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- Heat Milk: In a large saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks to the sugar and flour mixture, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Temper Eggs: Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling.
- Cook Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and rum (if using). Transfer the custard to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
Heavy cream
Puff pastry sheets
Step 3: Whip the Cream
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Cream into Custard: Once the custard is completely cooled, gently fold the whipped cream into the custard until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cream Squares
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- Layer Pastry and Custard: Place one sheet of baked puff pastry on a serving platter. Spread the custard cream mixture evenly over the pastry. Top with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.
Pastry tools
Baking sheets
Step 5: Serve
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the dessert with powdered sugar.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your Vanilla Custard Cream Squares!