Mary Berry’s Custard Slice is a classic British dessert that offers layers of buttery, flaky pastry filled with a rich and creamy custard. The delicate pastry combined with the smooth custard filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. This custard slice is perfect for serving at afternoon tea or as a sweet indulgence after a meal. Mary Berry’s recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to recreate this bakery favorite at home.
What is Mary Berry Custard Slice?
Mary Berry’s Custard Slice is a layered pastry dessert made with puff pastry sheets filled with a velvety smooth custard. The top is often finished with a simple icing glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. The pastry is baked to golden perfection, while the custard filling is made from scratch, resulting in a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. It’s a classic British treat that’s loved for its contrasting textures and sweet flavors.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British dessert: A timeless recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Simple ingredients: Made with common pantry staples yet results in an impressive dessert.
- Perfect balance of textures: Flaky pastry and creamy custard make for a delightful contrast.
- Great for sharing: Ideal for serving at parties, afternoon tea, or family gatherings.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite toppings or fillings to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Custard Slice
- 2 sheets of ready-made puff pastry – for the crisp, flaky layers.
- 500ml (17 fl oz) whole milk – to create a rich and creamy custard.
- 4 egg yolks – for a smooth custard base.
- 100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar – adds sweetness to the custard.
- 40g (1.4 oz) cornflour – thickens the custard for a firm filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar – for dusting or making the glaze.
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons water – for mixing with the icing sugar to make a glaze.
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Bake the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets (if needed) to fit the baking tray. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Bake the pastry sheets for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
- Make the custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster sugar, and cornflour until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
- Thicken the custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.
- Assemble the slice: Place one puff pastry sheet on a serving plate or tray. Spread the custard evenly over the pastry. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, pressing down gently to secure the layers.
- Chill the slice: Refrigerate the custard slice for at least 1-2 hours to allow the custard to set and firm up.
- Decorate the top: Once chilled, dust the top with icing sugar or mix the icing sugar with a little water to create a glaze. Spread the glaze over the top layer of puff pastry.
- Cut and serve: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the custard slice into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fresh contrast to the sweet custard.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fruit compote: Serve with a side of fruit compote for added flavor and a tangy element.
- Coffee or tea: The richness of the custard pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Caramel drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finishing touch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Prick the pastry: Pricking the puff pastry helps it bake evenly without puffing up too much.
- Chill the custard: Ensure the custard is well chilled before assembling the slice to help it firm up properly.
- Use whole milk: Whole milk adds richness to the custard, giving it a creamy texture.
- Cut carefully: When slicing the custard, use a sharp knife and cut with a light hand to avoid squashing the layers.
- Serve chilled: For the best texture and flavor, serve the custard slice well chilled.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Add fruit layers: Add thin slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, between the layers of custard for added flavor.
- Use flavored custard: Add a touch of lemon zest or almond extract to the custard for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Chocolate custard slice: Stir in some melted chocolate into the custard mixture for a rich, chocolate-flavored filling.
- Top with nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, over the icing for added texture.
- Glaze options: Use a chocolate glaze instead of the icing sugar for a more indulgent topping.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover custard slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep it airtight: To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, ensure the slices are stored in a sealed container.
- Don’t freeze: Custard slices don’t freeze well due to the texture of the custard, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Custard Slice
- Serve cold: Custard slices are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Custard Slice Healthier?
- Use low-fat milk: Swap whole milk for a lower-fat version to reduce the calorie content.
- Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the sugar in the custard or glaze for a less sweet version.
- Use a lighter pastry: Opt for a reduced-fat puff pastry for a lighter option.
- Add fresh fruit: Incorporating fresh fruit into the layers can increase the nutritional value without adding extra sweetness.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Custard Slice is a delightful dessert that combines rich, creamy custard with buttery puff pastry for a truly indulgent treat. It’s easy to make and perfect for impressing guests at afternoon tea or serving as a sweet finish to a meal.
With its simple ingredients and stunning presentation, this custard slice is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Steak And Kidney Pie
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chickpea Curry
- Mary Berry Chicken and Ham Pie
- James Martin Chicken And Ham Pie
Mary Berry Custard Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Custard Slice is a layered pastry dessert made with puff pastry sheets filled with a velvety smooth custard. The top is often finished with a simple icing glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. The pastry is baked to golden perfection, while the custard filling is made from scratch, resulting in a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. It’s a classic British treat that’s loved for its contrasting textures and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sheets of ready-made puff pastry – for the crisp, flaky layers.
- 500ml (17 fl oz) whole milk – to create a rich and creamy custard.
- 4 egg yolks – for a smooth custard base.
- 100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar – adds sweetness to the custard.
- 40g (1.4 oz) cornflour – thickens the custard for a firm filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar – for dusting or making the glaze.
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons water – for mixing with the icing sugar to make a glaze.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Bake the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets (if needed) to fit the baking tray. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Bake the pastry sheets for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
- Make the custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster sugar, and cornflour until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
- Thicken the custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.
- Assemble the slice: Place one puff pastry sheet on a serving plate or tray. Spread the custard evenly over the pastry. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, pressing down gently to secure the layers.
- Chill the slice: Refrigerate the custard slice for at least 1-2 hours to allow the custard to set and firm up.
- Decorate the top: Once chilled, dust the top with icing sugar or mix the icing sugar with a little water to create a glaze. Spread the glaze over the top layer of puff pastry.
- Cut and serve: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the custard slice into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
