Indulge in the perfect balance of textures and flavors with these Quick and Easy Red Currant Custard Pastries with Vanilla Pudding. These delightful pastries combine the crispiness of puff pastry with the creaminess of homemade vanilla pudding and the tartness of fresh red currants. Perfect for a sweet treat or a sophisticated dessert, these pastries are sure to impress with their simplicity and elegance.
Why You'll Love This: You'll love these pastries for their ease of preparation and the delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy puff pastry serves as the perfect vessel for the rich, creamy vanilla pudding, while the red currants add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the dessert. This recipe is perfect for when you need a quick yet impressive treat, and the individual pastries make them easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, these pastries are straightforward to make and yield delicious results every time.
Perfect Occasion: These Red Currant Custard Pastries are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. Serve them at a brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert after dinner. Their elegant appearance and delightful taste make them suitable for special events like baby showers, bridal showers, or holiday parties. They also make a wonderful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea during a cozy afternoon at home.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the pastries lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a few whole red currants on top of the powdered sugar for a pop of color. If you want to enhance the presentation further, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves. These simple decorations will make your pastries look even more inviting and delicious.
Ingredients to Gather:
- 250 ml milk
- 1 roll of ready-made puff pastry (about 250-300 g)
- 50 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 25 g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g fresh red currants, washed and stemmed
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) with top and bottom heat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Vanilla Pudding:
- In a small saucepan, heat 250 ml of milk until it is nearly boiling.
- In a separate bowl, mix 50 g of sugar, 3 egg yolks, and 25 g of cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
- Thicken the Pudding:
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and let the pudding cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares.
- Place a tablespoon of the cooled vanilla pudding in the center of each pastry square.
- Add a few red currants on top of the pudding in each square.
- Shape the Pastries:
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center and press gently to secure them.
- Beat 1 egg and brush it over the pastries to give them a golden finish when baked.
- Bake the Pastries:
- Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once cooled, dust the pastries lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy these delicious Red Currant Vanilla Puff Pastries as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of crispy pastry, creamy vanilla pudding, and tart red currants makes for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!