Pastry cream
Pastry cream is a delicious, rich custard that is often used as a filling for pies, tarts, and other desserts. It is made from a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, and flour, and is cooked over a double boiler until it is thick and creamy.
Pastry cream recipes have been around for centuries, and are thought to have originated in Italy. The first known recipe for pastry cream appeared in a cookbook from the 16th century, and it was called crema pasticcera. This early version of the recipe was made with milk, eggs, sugar, and flour, but it did not include any vanilla or other flavorings.
In the 18th century, pastry cream recipes began to include vanilla, and this is the version that is most commonly used today. Pastry cream is a key ingredient in many classic desserts, such as Boston cream pie, éclairs, and cream puffs.
Advice
Pastry cream is a rich, creamy filling that is used in many desserts. When making pastry cream, it is important to take your time and be patient. Start by combining the milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisking constantly as you bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about five minutes, stirring constantly. Next, temper the egg yolks by adding small amounts of the hot milk to the egg yolks and stirring vigorously. Then, pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. Lastly, remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Allow to cool before using in your favorite desserts.
Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights
Recipes
Italian Pastry Cream (Crema Pasticcera)
- vanilla bean
- milk
- sugar
- egg yolk
- all purpose flour
- salt
Vanilla Pastry Cream Recipe
- butter
- milk
- cornstarch
- sugar
- egg yolk
Chocolate Chip Pastry Cream
- cornstarch
- vanilla bean
- sugar
- bittersweet chocolate
- cocoa powder
- semi sweet chocolate chip
- egg yolk
- milk
Basic Vanilla Pastry Cream
- vanilla extract
- sugar
- cornstarch
- salt
- milk
- egg yolk
Almond Pastry Cream
- almond extract
- milk
- sugar
- all purpose flour
- egg yolk
- cornstarch
Orange Pastry Cream
- all purpose flour
- orange zest
- milk
- vanilla extract
- sugar
- grand marnier
- cornstarch
- egg yolk
Black Raspberry Pastry Cream
- all purpose flour
- milk
- vanilla extract
- raspberry
- sugar
- chambord
- egg yolk
- cornstarch
Caramel Pastry Cream
- plump vanilla bean
- sugar
- cornstarch
- milk
- water
- egg yolk
Pumpkin Pastry Cream
- milk
- nutmeg
- clove
- vanilla extract
- cinnamon
- sugar
- pumpkin puree
- all purpose flour
- cornstarch
- egg yolk
Chocolate Pastry Cream Recipe
- eggs yolk
- cornstarch
- butter
- vanilla extract
- salt
- cinnamon
- milk
- dark chocolate
- sugar
Perfect Pastry Cream
- vanilla extract
- egg
- sugar
- cornstarch
- milk
- butter
- egg yolk
Pastry Cream
- sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
- butter
- cornstarch
- egg yolk
Lemon Pastry Cream Recipe
- eggs yolk
- butter
- lemon zest
- cornstarch
- salt
- milk
- lemon juice
- sugar
Simple Pastry Cream
- sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
- cornstarch
- butter
- egg yolk
Ingredient Breakdown
Insights
Common Ingredients
- milk 71%
- sugar 71%
- cornstarch 64%
- egg yolk 64%
Rarey Ingredients
- all purpose flour 36%
- vanilla extract 36%