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!