Classic French Mille-Feuille Recipe: Layers of Deliciousness

Ingredients

500g of puff pastry
2 cups of milk
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
Roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet and cut into rectangles. Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the puff pastry for 15 minutes or until it is golden brown. Let it cool completely.
While the pastry is baking, make the custard. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let it cool.
Once the puff pastry and custard have cooled, assemble the mille-feuille. Place one layer of puff pastry on a serving plate, then spread a layer of custard on top. Repeat with the remaining pastry and custard, ending with a layer of pastry on top.
Make the icing by mixing the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Spread the icing over the top layer of puff pastry.
Chill the mille-feuille in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.

Tools for making

Rolling pin - Used to roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet.
Baking sheet - Used to bake the puff pastry rectangles.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
Saucepan - Used to heat the milk and cook the custard.
Whisk - Used to whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, and to stir the custard while cooking.
Bowl - Used to whisk the egg yolk mixture and hold the custard.
Serving plate - The plate on which the mille-feuille will be assembled and served.
Spatula - Used to spread the custard and icing onto the puff pastry layers.
Refrigerator - Used to chill the mille-feuille before serving.

Recipe variations

Use different flavors of puff pastry, such as chocolate or almond.
Try a different type of crust, like homemade shortcrust pastry.
Experiment with different fillings, such as fruit preserves or whipped cream.
Add fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, between the layers.
Create a savory version by using ingredients like cheese, ham, or smoked salmon.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry or alternative flours like almond flour.
For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and replace eggs with a custard alternative, such as a coconut milk-based custard.
Add flavored extracts or spices to the custard, such as lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Decorate the top with chocolate ganache, drizzled caramel, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
For a healthier twist, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of sugar in the custard.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the classic French pastry, Mille-feuille. This delightful dessert features layers of flaky puff pastry and rich, creamy custard, topped with a sweet glaze. Also known as a Napoleon, this pastry may seem complex, but with our step-by-step guide, you'll be able to create this elegant dessert right in your own kitchen. The end result is a beautiful and scrumptious treat that is sure to impress your guests. Expect to experience a blend of textures - crispy pastry, smooth custard, and glossy icing, all coming together in a symphony of flavors. Before you begin, remember that Mille-feuille is best served chilled, so factor in a couple of hours of refrigeration time after assembly. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

Can I use pre-made puff pastry? Yes, you can use pre-made puff pastry for this recipe.
Can I substitute whole milk for the milk in the custard? Yes, you can use whole milk as a substitute.
How long does it take for the custard to thicken? The custard usually takes about 8-10 minutes to thicken over medium heat.
Can I use a different flavoring instead of vanilla extract? Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract or lemon zest.
Can I make the mille-feuille in advance? Yes, you can assemble the mille-feuille a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to add the icing before serving.
Can I freeze the mille-feuille? It is not recommended to freeze the assembled mille-feuille as it may affect the texture and quality of the puff pastry.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Sheet - Used to bake the puff pastry rectangles.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Saucepan - Used to heat the milk and cook the custard.
Whisk - Used to mix the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, as well as to whisk the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture.
Bowl - Used to whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
Serving Plate - Used to assemble and present the mille-feuille.
Spatula - Used to spread the custard and icing.
Refrigerator - Used to chill the mille-feuille before serving.

Origin stories

Mille-feuille, a classic French pastry, translates to "thousand layers," a nod to the many flaky layers of puff pastry that comprise this delectable treat. Its exact origins remain a mystery, tangled in the rich tapestry of European baking history. Culinary lore often credits the creation of mille-feuille to Marie-Antoine Carême, the renowned French chef who served the likes of Napoleon Bonaparte and King George IV in the early 19th century. Carême was known for his elaborate pièces montées, or architectural centerpieces made from pastry, and the mille-feuille, with its meticulous layers, certainly fits the bill. Whether or not this is true, there is little doubt that the mille-feuille captures the spirit of French pastry: a celebration of simplicity, precision, and indulgence.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.