The name “mille-feuille” translates to “a thousand layers” in French, and this dessert certainly lives up to its name. Each layer of puff pastry is perfectly baked to a golden brown, creating a delicate and flaky texture that adds a delectable crunch to each bite.
The vanilla pastry cream is smooth, rich, and creamy, providing a sweet and flavorful contrast to the crispy layers of pastry. The pastry cream is made by simmering milk, sugar, and vanilla bean in a saucepan until thickened, before whisking in egg yolks to create a smooth and luscious texture.
The crunchy topping on the mille-feuille is what truly sets this dessert apart. Made by caramelizing sugar in a saucepan until it turns a deep amber color, the topping adds a satisfying crunch and a delicious caramel flavor to each bite. Once cooled, the caramel is broken into small pieces and sprinkled on top of the mille-feuille, creating a sweet and crunchy texture that complements the soft and creamy interior.
This classic French pastry is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. Although it requires a bit of patience and precision, the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s how you can make your own mille-feuille with crunchy topping:
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
– 4 egg yolks
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the pastry into 3 equal rectangles and prick all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up in the oven.
3. Place the pastry rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and starts to boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
8. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, without stirring. Cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color, then remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
9. Pour the caramel onto a piece of parchment paper and let it cool completely, then break into small pieces.
10. To assemble the mille-feuille, place one of the pastry rectangles onto a serving dish. Spread a layer of the pastry cream on top, then sprinkle with some of the caramel pieces. Repeat with the remaining pastry rectangles, pastry cream, and caramel pieces.
11. Chill the mille-feuille in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
In conclusion, mille-feuille with crunchy topping is a delightful French pastry that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. With a little bit of patience and skill, you can recreate this classic dessert at home and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy pastry, creamy filling, and crunchy topping.