Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Vanilla Cream Filling
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Bake Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the sheet of puff pastry on a baking tray and bake until it turns golden brown and crisp, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Vanilla Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Combine and Cook Custard: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Flavor and Cool: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin forming, and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
- Assemble Layers: Once the puff pastry is cooled, carefully cut it into layers. Spread a generous amount of cooled vanilla cream between each pastry layer to create multiple tiers.
- Prepare Icing Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze and Chill: Pour or spread the icing glaze over the top layer of the assembled pastry. Refrigerate the Napoleon for at least 1 hour to set and chill before slicing into individual servings.
- Serve: Slice carefully with a sharp knife to maintain clean layers and serve chilled. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar for presentation.
Notes
- Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and ensures crisp, flaky layers.
- Make sure to chill the pastry thoroughly to achieve clean, neat slices.
- For a decorative touch, dust extra powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
