Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard Recipe

Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard Recipe is one of those desserts that feels fancy but is actually pretty doable at home. If you’ve ever thought about making a French pastry but got scared off by the layers and cream, this is a great place to start. I’ve been baking for over a decade, and this recipe has become a go-to when I want to impress without stressing too much.

Why You Should Try Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard

This dessert nails the balance between crisp and creamy. The flaky puff pastry layers give you that satisfying crunch, while the vanilla custard adds a smooth, sweet touch. And the apples? They bring a fresh, slightly tart flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Ever had a dessert that felt like it was made just for your taste buds? That’s what this feels like. Plus, it’s a fun way to practice some pastry skills without needing a ton of fancy equipment.

Variations I’ve Tried And Loved

While the classic apple and vanilla custard combo is fantastic, I’ve played around with a few tweaks:

• Swap out the apples for pears or berries if you want a different fruit vibe.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice kick.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent finish.
• Use almond paste between the layers for a nutty twist.

Adaly Kandice

Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard

A classic French dessert featuring layers of flaky puff pastry, vanilla custard, and thinly sliced apples.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients

  

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 egg egg, beaten

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 4 egg yolks egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into rectangles.
3. Place on baking sheet, prick with fork, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and puffed.
4. Let cool completely.

1. Heat milk with vanilla bean pod and seeds until near boiling, then remove from heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and thick.
3. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture while whisking continuously.
4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, discard vanilla pod, and stir in butter.
6. Cover with plastic wrap directly on custard surface and chill until cold.

1. Toss apple slices with lemon juice and sugar.

1. Place one puff pastry rectangle on serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of vanilla custard over pastry.
3. Arrange a layer of apple slices on top.
4. Repeat layers and finish with a puff pastry layer on top.
5. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Make sure to chill the custard thoroughly before assembling to get clean layers. Use tart apples for better flavor balance. Store assembled dessert in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best texture.

Serving The Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee or a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes. If you want to add a little extra, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts.

Ever thought about serving it at a dinner party? It looks impressive but doesn’t require you to be a pastry chef. Your guests will think you spent hours on it.

Helpful Tips for Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard

• Make sure the puff pastry is completely cool before assembling; otherwise, the custard can get melty and messy.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the assembled pastry to keep the layers neat.
• Chill the custard well before using to get that perfect thick texture.
• If you want to prep ahead, bake the pastry and make the custard a day before. Assemble just before serving.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have leftovers (lucky you), store the assembled mille feuille in the fridge. It’s best eaten within a day or two because the pastry can get soggy over time. You can keep the custard and pastry separate for a couple of days and put it together fresh when ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip pricking the puff pastry; it helps keep the layers from puffing unevenly.
• Avoid overheating the custard or it might curdle constant stirring is your friend here.
• Don’t slice the apples too thick; they need to soften quickly without turning mushy.
• Be patient with chilling the custard; it really makes a difference in texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 22 g

This recipe might seem indulgent, but it’s worth every bite. Plus, you can feel good knowing there’s real fruit and homemade custard in there. Who said fancy desserts can’t be a little wholesome?