Name: Mille-Feuille: The Classic French Pastry
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: PT-487223H5M17S
Total time: PT-487223H5M17S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting); 2 cups whole milk; 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 large egg yolks; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mille-Feuille offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The light, crisp puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the rich, velvety custard filling. The sweet, delicate icing or powdered sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, and while it may seem complex, the preparation is simple with a bit of patience. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying it as an afternoon treat, Mille-Feuille is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the puff pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the vanilla custard filling (crème pâtissière):

2 cups whole milk
1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the puff pastry:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Cut the pastry into three equal-sized rectangles (about 4×6 inches).
Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up unevenly.
Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Once baked, remove the puff pastry from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust the puff pastry rectangles with powdered sugar.

Make the vanilla custard filling:

In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds into the milk, then add the pod as well. If using vanilla extract, add it to the milk once it’s heated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, flour, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and comes to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Stir in the butter until smooth. If you used a vanilla bean pod, remove it from the custard now.
Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until it’s completely chilled (about 1-2 hours).

Assemble the Mille-Feuille:

Once the puff pastry is cool and the custard is chilled, start assembling the layers. Place one rectangle of puff pastry on a serving platter or plate.
Spread a generous layer of the vanilla custard over the puff pastry.
Top the custard with another rectangle of puff pastry and repeat the process until all the layers are stacked, ending with the third puff pastry rectangle on top.

Prepare the glaze:

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and the glaze is thick but spreadable.
Spread the glaze over the top puff pastry layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. You can also use a fork to create a decorative pattern in the glaze if desired.

Serve:

Chill the Mille-Feuille for 1-2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
Slice into individual servings and serve cold or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 2-3 hours

Variations

Chocolate Mille-Feuille: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or use chocolate pastry cream in place of the vanilla custard for a decadent chocolate version.
Fruit Mille-Feuille: Add fresh fruit, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, between the layers of custard for a fruity twist.
Flavored custard: Experiment with other flavors for the custard filling, such as coffee, lemon, or almond extract, for a unique take on this classic dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Mille-Feuille is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The puff pastry may lose some of its crispness after being stored, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing: It’s best not to freeze Mille-Feuille, as the puff pastry can become soggy once thawed. It’s a dessert that’s meant to be eaten fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes! Store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut to make Mille-Feuille quicker and easier. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package for baking.

Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the custard filling a day ahead of time. Simply cover it with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate until ready to use.

How do I prevent the custard from curdling?

To prevent curdling, be sure to temper the egg mixture by slowly adding the hot milk to it, and constantly whisk the mixture while cooking. If the custard starts to curdle, remove it from the heat immediately and whisk vigorously to smooth it out.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make Mille-Feuille gluten-free, you can use gluten-free puff pastry. Be sure to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten. You can also try using a gluten-free flour blend for the custard.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes! Mille-Feuille is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare the puff pastry, custard, and glaze the day before and assemble it a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Mille-Feuille is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves French pastries. With its delicate layers of crispy puff pastry and rich, creamy custard filling, this classic treat is as visually impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, Mille-Feuille is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its combination of textures and flavors is timeless, making it a dessert that’s sure to be a favorite in your baking repertoire.