What is Mille-Feuille?
To begin with, Mille-feuille, also known as the Napoleon dessert, is one of the most beloved and elegant French pastry desserts. Traditionally, it consists of thin, flaky layers of baked puff pastry filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream, and topped with a smooth glaze or icing.
In other words, it’s a crisp, creamy, and sweet treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make once you understand the steps. Moreover, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you want a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the puff pastry:
- 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry (alternatively, use homemade puff pastry)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the vanilla pastry cream:
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the icing (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tsp milk or water
- A little melted dark chocolate, for decoration
How to Make Mille-Feuille with Cream
Step 1: Bake the puff pastry
First of all, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Then, roll out and cut your puff pastry into three even-sized rectangles.
Next, place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and place another sheet of parchment and a second tray on top to keep them flat.
After that, bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Once done, remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Meanwhile, you can begin preparing the cream.
Step 2: Make the vanilla pastry cream
While the pastry cools, start working on the cream.
Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth and pale.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
Then, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and return it to medium heat.
Stir continuously until it thickens into a rich, custard-like consistency.
Afterward, remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated.
Finally, transfer the cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until it’s fully chilled.
Step 3: Assemble the Mille-feuille
Once the puff pastry and cream are both cool, it’s time to assemble.
First, lay one puff pastry layer on a serving plate.
Then, pipe or spread half of the pastry cream evenly on top.
Next, place the second layer of puff pastry and repeat the process with the remaining cream.
After that, add the final puff pastry sheet on top and gently press down to set the layers.
Step 4: Decorate with icing
If you want to add a classic finish, now’s the time for the icing.
Simply mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water until it becomes a thick glaze.
Spread it over the top layer of pastry.
Then, drizzle lines of melted chocolate across the glaze and drag a toothpick through the lines to create a beautiful feathered pattern.
Not only does this look stunning, but it also adds a hint of rich chocolate flavor.
Helpful Tips for Success
- For best results, chill the Mille-feuille before slicing—this helps firm up the cream and gives you cleaner cuts.
- Additionally, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to prevent the layers from squishing.
- If possible, prepare the dessert a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld together.
- Lastly, store leftovers in the fridge, but keep in mind that puff pastry is crispiest when fresh.
Conclusion
To sum up, this classic Mille-feuille recipe with cream is a must-try for any dessert lover. With its crisp puff pastry layers, silky vanilla cream, and eye-catching design, it’s both a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to try a homemade puff pastry dessert, this step-by-step guide makes it easier than ever.
So, the next time you’re wondering how to make Mille-feuille at home, come back to this easy and elegant recipe!