Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of this Classic Flan Pâtissier, a traditional French dessert that combines a velvety vanilla custard with a light, flaky puff pastry base. Each component of this dessert is crafted to emphasize the natural flavors and textures that make the Flan Pâtissier beloved by many. The custard, enriched with real vanilla beans and a hint of honey, offers a luxurious depth of flavor, while the puff pastry provides a crisp contrast that completes the sensory experience.
Why You'll Love This:
The Flan Pâtissier is a dessert that balances simplicity with indulgence. Its creamy custard filling is infused with the rich aroma of vanilla beans, elevated by the subtle sweetness of honey. The straightforward preparation process, involving basic yet careful steps to ensure perfection, results in a dessert that’s both satisfying and visually impressive. This flan is perfect for those who appreciate desserts that are not overly sweet yet are rich in flavor.
Perfect Occasion:
This flan is ideally served at formal dinners, afternoon tea gatherings, or as a sophisticated weekend treat. It's a show-stopping dessert that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for hosts who want to impress without last-minute stress. Its elegant appearance and refined taste make it suitable for special occasions, holidays, or as a luxurious end to any meal.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, brush the top of the cooled flan with a honey glaze to add a glossy finish that enhances its visual appeal. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers can also adorn this classic dessert, adding a touch of color and texture that complements the simplicity of the flan.
Ingredients for Vanilla Custard:
- 750 grams of milk
- 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
- 65 grams of honey
- 75 grams of sugar
- 65 grams of cornstarch
- 190 grams of whipping cream
- 150 grams of egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 37 grams of unsalted butter
For the Pastry Base:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
For the Honey Glaze:
- 20 grams of water
- 30 grams of honey
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Grease an 18cm x 6cm ring mold with soft butter and lightly dust with sugar.
- Roll the puff pastry to about 4mm thickness and line the ring mold. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Infuse the Milk:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk with the vanilla pods and seeds. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and cover to infuse for at least an hour or overnight for a deeper vanilla flavor.
- Make the Custard:
- Strain the infused milk into a clean saucepan. Add honey and sugar, and bring to a boil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and whipping cream until smooth. Add the egg yolks and mix well.
- Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until it thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat, whisk in the butter, then blend the custard with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Bake the Flan:
- Pour the custard into the prepared pastry in the ring mold. Freeze for 30 minutes to set slightly.
- Bake at 170°C for 35-40 minutes until the flan jiggles but is set.
- Cool completely, then loosen the flan from the ring using a knife.
- Prepare the Honey Glaze:
- Combine water and honey in a small bowl and microwave until it reaches a syrup consistency. Brush over the cooled flan.
This Classic Flan Pâtissier, with its rich custard and crisp pastry, promises a delightful taste experience, making it a must-try for any dessert connoisseur. Enjoy the sublime combination of textures and flavors that this elegant dessert offers.