These delightful berry custard pastries are a perfect combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry, creamy custard, and juicy berries. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, making them an excellent treat for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time while still delivering bakery-quality results.
- Customizable: You can use your favorite berries or even mix in other fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and they’re sure to impress guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These pastries can be partially prepared in advance and finished just before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets
- Vanilla custard (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)
Directions
- Prepare the Custard: If making homemade custard, prepare it first and allow it to cool.
- Thaw the Puff Pastry: Let the puff pastry sheets thaw according to the package instructions. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut and Shape: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Fold the edges slightly to create a border.
- Add Custard: Spoon a dollop of custard into the center of each pastry, spreading it out slightly but keeping it within the border.
- Top with Berries: Arrange fresh berries on top of the custard.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 8 pastries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Fruits: Use a combination of fruits like peaches, kiwi, or mango alongside berries.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs.
- Lemon Custard: Swap the vanilla custard for a zesty lemon version for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pastries in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
How do I make the custard from scratch?
To make custard, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla over medium heat until thickened. Cool completely before using.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I prepare these pastries in advance?
You can assemble the pastries up to step 5 and store them in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
Try phyllo dough or crescent roll dough for a similar result.
How do I prevent the custard from leaking?
Ensure the edges of the puff pastry are folded up slightly and don’t overfill with custard.
Can I use different flavors of custard?
Absolutely! Chocolate, coconut, or almond custard would work well.
What’s the best way to cut the puff pastry?
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to ensure clean edges.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, cut the pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can skip the garnish or use granulated sugar as a topping before baking.
Are these pastries freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These berry custard pastries are a show-stopping treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking for a quick dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. With endless variations and simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
PrintBerry Custard Pastries
Berry Custard Pastries are delightful treats featuring buttery puff pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh, juicy berries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are easy to make and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pastries:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Custard:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate to cool.
- Prepare the Pastries:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6 squares or rectangles.
- Lightly score a border about 1/2 inch from the edges of each square without cutting all the way through.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg wash.
- Bake the Pastries:
- Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Press down the centers of the pastries to create a well. Spoon custard into the well of each pastry.
- Top with fresh berries. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use any combination of fresh berries you like, or substitute with other fruits.