Name: Vanilla Custard Slice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 300 grams puff pastry; 750 mL milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 150 grams white granulated sugar; 3 eggs (medium/large/size 6); 125 mL water; 60 grams custard powder; 60 grams butter; 240 grams icing sugar (powdered or confectioners sugar); 3-6 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you adore classic desserts that bring a nostalgic smile with every bite, then the Vanilla Custard Slice is a must-try treat for you. This delightful dessert features a rich, creamy vanilla custard filling nestled between crispy, golden puff pastry layers, all finished with a glossy, sweet icing glaze that makes each slice irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it at a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting sweet, the Vanilla Custard Slice delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity to the ingredients in this Vanilla Custard Slice, each one playing a vital role in creating that luscious custard and perfect flaky base. From the flaky puff pastry that provides crisp layers to the wholesome eggs and custard powder that build the creamy filling, these familiar essentials come together like an old friend’s recipe.

300 grams puff pastry: Choose good-quality puff pastry for the best flaky, buttery base and top layers.
750 mL milk: Whole milk works best to give the custard a creamy richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth and depth to the custard.
150 grams white granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the vanilla.
3 eggs (medium/large): Provide structure and creaminess to the custard filling.
125 mL water: Helps blend the custard powder smoothly.
60 grams custard powder: The star thickener that creates a silky smooth custard.
60 grams butter: Added at the end for richness and a velvety texture.
240 grams icing sugar: For the sweet, glossy glaze that dresses the slice beautifully.
3-6 tablespoons milk: To adjust the glaze consistency—start small and add more as needed.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Included in the glaze for that extra burst of vanilla goodness.

How to Make Vanilla Custard Slice

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining two baking sheets with baking paper. Roll out your puff pastry to about 5mm thick, ensuring it’s a bit wider than your 8″x8″ square cake tin. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to keep it from puffing up too much. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until beautifully golden and crispy, then allow to cool completely before trimming to the size of your cake tin.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Tin

Line your cake tin with tin foil or baking paper with an overhang. This simple step is a game-changer because it allows you to lift out the whole Vanilla Custard Slice easily after it has set, keeping your edges clean and neat. Place one trimmed pastry layer at the bottom of the tin, ready to welcome the creamy custard.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

Next up is the luscious custard. Heat the milk with the vanilla extract to a gentle boil in a medium-large saucepan. While waiting, whisk the eggs with water until smooth, then blend in the custard powder until lump-free. Once the milk boils, remove it from the heat, stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved, then slowly pour in the egg mixture while whisking nonstop. Return the pan to medium heat and cook the custard, whisking constantly until it thickens beautifully—usually about 7 to 10 minutes. Finish by whisking in the butter in small chunks until fully smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble and Set

Pour the thick custard over the bottom pastry layer, smoothing it out with a spoon or spatula. Gently place the second pastry sheet on top, pressing lightly to seal the layers together. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour to begin setting, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 to 4 hours or overnight—patience truly pays off here!

Step 5: Glaze and Slice

Whisk the icing sugar with vanilla extract and start adding milk gradually until you get a pourable glaze. Pour this over the chilled Vanilla Custard Slice and let the glaze set for around an hour. Use the overhanging foil or paper to lift the slice out, then trim the edges and cut into neat squares using a serrated knife. Ta-da! Your stunning custard slice is ready to impress.

How to Serve Vanilla Custard Slice

Garnishes

While the Vanilla Custard Slice is stunning on its own, a few garnishes can elevate it further. A light dusting of grated chocolate, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add lovely bursts of color and a contrast of flavors. For a decadent touch, a few edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pistachios work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This slice pairs wonderfully with a simple accompaniment like a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, which complements the vanilla custard beautifully. You can also serve it alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that feels both classic and special.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the traditional slice! Serve individual portions in glass jars layered with crushed biscuit or crumble for a deconstructed custard slice parfait, or cut tiny bite-sized squares for a dessert platter at parties. For brunches, include a few mint leaves and edible glitter over the glaze for a whimsical touch that will delight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Vanilla Custard Slice is made, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining that custard creaminess and crisp pastry. Always cover it well to avoid the pastry absorbing fridge odors and to keep the glaze glossy.

Freezing

While freezing the Vanilla Custard Slice is possible, it’s best done with caution because custard can lose some of its silky texture after thawing. If you must freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, but note that the pastry may soften slightly.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended because it can melt the glaze and overly soften the custard. If you prefer a warm treat, enjoy the custard in a homemade custard recipe or use the leftovers as a custard base in another dessert.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for the Vanilla Custard Slice?

Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works perfectly, just make sure to thaw it fully according to package instructions before rolling out and baking to get that crisp, golden texture essential for the slice.

How long should the Vanilla Custard Slice chill before glazing?

Chilling the slice for at least 3 to 4 hours or overnight is ideal to allow the custard to set properly. This makes glazing simpler and helps prevent the warm custard from melting the icing glaze you pour on top.

Is custard powder necessary, or can I substitute with cornstarch?

Custard powder is specially formulated to add flavor and color, so it’s best for the traditional vanilla custard taste. Cornstarch can be used as a thickener but won’t provide the same custard flavor or color.

Can I add other flavors or extracts to the custard filling?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Almond or coconut extract can add a unique twist, but be careful to use small amounts so you don’t overpower the delicate vanilla that makes the Vanilla Custard Slice so classic.

What’s the best knife to slice the custard slice cleanly?

A serrated knife works best for slicing through the flaky pastry and creamy custard layers cleanly without squashing or crumbling the dessert, giving you those perfect, Instagram-worthy slices.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Vanilla Custard Slice a try—it’s one of those timeless desserts that somehow manages to feel both fancy and familiar. Each bite offers that dreamy combo of flaky pastry, smooth custard, and sweet icing that brings back fond memories while creating new ones. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it’ll become a star in your dessert rotation that’s always ready to impress and delight!