With its layers of creamy custard, flaky pastry, and a dusting of sugar or glaze, vanilla slice (or mille-feuille in France) is a dessert that promises a burst of sweet delight. Here are five irresistible vanilla slice recipes that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also invite you into the aromatic world of vanilla essence, one of the most beloved flavors in dessert creation.
Classic Vanilla Slice 🥧
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Classic Vanilla Slice" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Classic Vanilla Slice"/> </div>
Ingredients:
- Puff Pastry: 2 sheets, store-bought or homemade
- Cornstarch: ½ cup
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Vanilla Bean: 1, or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Eggs: 5 yolks
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Whole Milk: 2 cups
- Icing Sugar: for dusting
Steps:
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Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place puff pastry sheets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake until golden, then set aside to cool.
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Make the Custard: In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar, and scraped vanilla seeds (or extract). Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, add butter, and stir until melted.
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Assemble the Slice: Cut the baked puff pastry to fit your serving dish. Spread a thin layer of custard on the bottom pastry sheet, then top with the second sheet. Chill in the fridge until the custard sets.
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Dust with Icing Sugar: Before serving, generously dust the top with icing sugar.
<p class="pro-note">🍰 Note: For a perfectly set custard, ensure your mixture is at a gentle boil before removing it from the heat.</p>
Chocolate Drizzle Vanilla Slice 🍫
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Chocolate Drizzle Vanilla Slice" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chocolate Drizzle Vanilla Slice"/> </div>
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic Vanilla Slice
- Dark Chocolate: 100g, for drizzling
Steps:
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Follow the Classic Recipe: Prepare the vanilla slice as described above.
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Drizzle with Chocolate: Once the slice has chilled and set, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the chocolate over the top of the vanilla slice in a decorative pattern.
Lemon Zest Vanilla Slice 🍋
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Lemon Zest Vanilla Slice" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon Zest Vanilla Slice"/> </div>
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic Vanilla Slice
- Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon
- Lemon Juice: From ½ lemon
Steps:
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Add Zest to Custard: Once the custard is cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice. This will give a subtle lemon fragrance and zestiness to your slice.
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Assemble and Serve: Proceed with the assembly as in the classic recipe. The lemon zest will brighten the flavors and provide a light, tangy contrast to the sweet custard.
Salted Caramel Vanilla Slice 🧂🍮
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Salted Caramel Vanilla Slice" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Salted Caramel Vanilla Slice"/> </div>
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic Vanilla Slice
- Caramel Filling: 1 cup of your favorite caramel sauce
- Sea Salt Flakes: for sprinkling
Steps:
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Layer with Caramel: After chilling the custard layer, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the set custard, then top with the second puff pastry sheet.
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Sprinkle with Salt: Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt flakes to enhance the flavors of the caramel and the custard.
<p class="pro-note">🍯 Note: If making caramel from scratch, ensure it's not too thin to prevent it from leaking during assembly.</p>
Raspberry and Vanilla Slice 🍓
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Raspberry and Vanilla Slice" src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Raspberry and Vanilla Slice"/> </div>
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic Vanilla Slice
- Fresh Raspberries: 1 cup, halved
- Raspberry Jam: for spreading
Steps:
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Prepare the Slice: Follow the classic recipe but before you chill the custard, arrange the fresh raspberries on top, gently pressing them into the custard.
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Glaze with Jam: Heat raspberry jam with a little water to thin it out, then brush this over the raspberries for a glossy finish.
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Chill and Serve: Allow to set in the fridge, then serve.
This journey through the various expressions of vanilla slice showcases the versatility and charm of this classic dessert. From the traditional to the innovative, each recipe offers a unique taste experience:
- Classic Vanilla Slice introduces the timeless elegance of simple, pure flavors.
- Chocolate Drizzle Vanilla Slice adds a luxurious layer of chocolate, enhancing the custard's richness.
- Lemon Zest Vanilla Slice brings a zesty note that lifts and complements the vanilla.
- Salted Caramel Vanilla Slice elevates the dessert with the sophisticated combination of sweet and salty.
- Raspberry and Vanilla Slice pairs the delicate flavors of vanilla with the fruity zest of raspberry.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make vanilla slice in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, vanilla slices can be made a day in advance. They need at least 3-4 hours to set in the fridge, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long will vanilla slice keep?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, vanilla slice will keep for up to 3 days.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use frozen puff pastry?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>