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–+ servings
Spoon scooping homemade vanilla pastry cream from a bowl on a white counter

Pastry Cream Recipe

A silky, foolproof  Pastry Cream Recipe perfect for tarts, eclairs, and cream puffs.
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Course: Dessert, Filling
Cuisine: French
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $4–$6

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan Prevents scorching and ensures even heating
  • Fine-mesh strainer Essential for smooth, lump-free texture
  • Balloon whisk Helps incorporate air efficiently
  • Mixing bowl Heat-proof preferred for tempering
  • Plastic wrap Prevents skin formation
  • Digital thermometer Helps monitor milk temperature

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 4 Large egg yolks
  • ½ cup Granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch Sift before using if lumpy
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter Cut into small pieces
  • 1.5 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Heat milk.
  • Whisk yolks and sugar.
  • Add cornstarch and salt.
  • Temper eggs with hot milk.
  • Cook until thickened.
  • Strain custard.
  • Stir in butter.
  • Add vanilla.
  • Cover and chill.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 140mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 0.5mg