What You’ll Need
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- For the custard filling:
- – 2 cups of milk
- – 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- – 4 egg yolks
- – 1/3 cup of cornstarch
- – 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- – 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- For the assembly:
- – Powdered sugar for dusting
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Using a sharp knife, cut each sheet into three equal rectangles. Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Baking the Puff Pastry
Place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the pastry rectangles and weigh it down with a second baking sheet to prevent excessive puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Preparing the Custard Filling
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, while constantly whisking, to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Assembling the Millefoglie
Once the puff pastry and custard are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the millefoglie. Start by placing one puff pastry rectangle on a serving dish. Spread a generous layer of custard over the pastry. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry rectangles and custard, stacking them on top of each other.
Finish by dusting the top layer of the millefoglie with powdered sugar. You can also decorate it with fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once chilled, your homemade millefoglie is ready to be enjoyed. Use a sharp knife to slice it into individual portions, and serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. The layers of flaky pastry and creamy custard will surely delight your taste buds.
Now that you have mastered the art of making millefoglie, you can impress your friends and family with this elegant and delicious Italian pastry. With its beautiful layers of pastry and luscious custard, it’s no wonder why millefoglie is a true classic in the realm of desserts.