Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, is a classic French pastry consisting of layers of crispy puff pastry filled with rich pastry cream and topped with a sweet glaze. This decadent dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into equal-sized rectangles (about 4×2 inches).
- Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Pastry Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Assemble the Mille-Feuille:
- Place one piece of puff pastry on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of pastry cream evenly over the pastry.
- Repeat with another layer of puff pastry and pastry cream.
- Top with a final layer of puff pastry.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the glaze over the top layer of puff pastry.
- If desired, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the glaze for decoration.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the assembled Mille-Feuille in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the Mille-Feuille into slices and serve.
Enjoy this elegant and delicious Mille-Feuille, a true masterpiece of French patisserie!
