Puff Pastry with Custard and Berries Recipe

Puff pastry desserts are a true delight, combining flaky, buttery layers with creamy fillings and fruity toppings. One of the most delicious and easy-to-make treats is puff pastry filled with homemade custard and berry jam. This dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of crisp pastry, silky custard, and the tart sweetness of berries creates a balanced and irresistible flavor.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious puff pastry dessert. We will also discuss tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture, alternative ingredient options, and creative ways to serve this treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need three main components: puff pastry, custard cream, and berry jam. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for each:

For the Puff Pastry:

• Ready-made puff pastry squares

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Custard Cream:

• 2 egg yolks

• 40 g sugar

• 5 g cornstarch

• 200 ml milk

• 100 ml heavy cream

• Vanilla extract (to taste)

For the Berry Jam:

• 250 g fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries)

• 30 g sugar

• 5 g lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw slightly so it’s easy to handle. Cut the puff pastry into squares, and for an elegant touch, use a heart-shaped mold to cut out a small piece in the center of half the squares.

Place the cut-out pastry pieces on top of the whole squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This layering technique creates a raised edge, allowing space for the filling later. Brush the surface with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to give it a golden, glossy finish.

Bake the pastry for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and puffs up beautifully. Once baked, allow it to cool before gently hollowing out the center to make room for the filling.

2. Making the Custard Cream

Custard cream is the heart of this dessert, providing a smooth, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy pastry.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk vigorously for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling.

3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes until the custard thickens.

5. Once thickened, transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

After the custard has chilled, whip 300 ml of cream with 15 g of sugar until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the custard until the desired consistency is achieved. This step makes the custard lighter and fluffier.

3. Preparing the Berry Jam

Berry jam adds a delightful tartness to balance the sweetness of the custard and pastry.

1. In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens.

3. The consistency of the jam depends on your preference. A longer cooking time will result in a thicker jam.

4. Once done, allow the jam to cool before using.

4. Assembling the Dessert

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

1. Take the baked puff pastry pieces and carefully remove any soft interior crumbs, leaving a hollow space for the filling.

2. Spoon a layer of custard cream into each pastry shell.

3. Add a dollop of berry jam on top of the custard.

4. If desired, garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality puff pastry: The better the quality, the flakier and more delicious your pastry will be.

• Chill your custard properly: This helps develop the best texture and enhances the flavor.

• Whisk continuously while cooking the custard: This prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth consistency.

• Don’t overfill the pastry: Adding too much custard or jam can cause the pastry to become soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can customize it to suit your taste:

• Fruit Options: Instead of berries, try mango, passion fruit, or caramelized apples for a different flavor twist.

• Chocolate Custard: Mix in melted chocolate with the custard for a rich chocolatey version.

• Nutty Flavor: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.

• Savory Version: If you want a savory take, fill the puff pastry with a cheese or mushroom-based filling instead of custard.

Serving Suggestions

This puff pastry dessert pairs beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea

• A scoop of vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream

• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence

Final Thoughts

Puff pastry with custard and berries is an easy yet elegant dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a romantic evening, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispiness of the pastry, the creaminess of the custard, and the tart sweetness of the berries come together in a truly delightful way.

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Puff Pastry with Custard and Berries Recipe

Easy puff pastry with custard and berries filling! A flaky, golden pastry filled with creamy custard and sweet berry jam, a perfect dessert treat.

Type: Dessert

Cuisine: European, French-inspired

Keywords: Puff pastry, custard filling, berry dessert, easy pastry recipe, flaky pastry, homemade custard, berry jam, sweet pastry

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per serving

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes + 2-3 hours chilling time

Recipe Ingredients:

• Ready-made puff pastry squares
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 40 g sugar
• 5 g cornstarch
• 200 ml milk
• 100 ml heavy cream
• Vanilla extract (to taste)
• 250 g fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries)
• 30 g sugar
• 5 g lemon juice

Recipe Instructions:

Preparing the Puff Pastry:

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw slightly so it’s easy to handle. Cut the puff pastry into squares, and for an elegant touch, use a heart-shaped mold to cut out a small piece in the center of half the squares. Place the cut-out pastry pieces on top of the whole squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This layering technique creates a raised edge, allowing space for the filling later. Brush the surface with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to give it a golden, glossy finish. Bake the pastry for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and puffs up beautifully. Once baked, allow it to cool before gently hollowing out the center to make room for the filling.

Making the Custard Cream:

Custard cream is the heart of this dessert, providing a smooth, velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy pastry. In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk vigorously for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. In a saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-10 minutes until the custard thickens. Once thickened, transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. After the custard has chilled, whip 300 ml of cream with 15 g of sugar until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the custard until the desired consistency is achieved. This step makes the custard lighter and fluffier.

Preparing the Berry Jam:

Berry jam adds a delightful tartness to balance the sweetness of the custard and pastry. In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. The consistency of the jam depends on your preference. A longer cooking time will result in a thicker jam. Once done, allow the jam to cool before using.

Assembling the Dessert:

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! Take the baked puff pastry pieces and carefully remove any soft interior crumbs, leaving a hollow space for the filling. Spoon a layer of custard cream into each pastry shell. Add a dollop of berry jam on top of the custard. If desired, garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.