Pastry Cream Slices: A Creamy, Dreamy Treat
Craving a dessert that’s both elegant and easy? Cream Slices are here to save the day. These layered beauties feature flaky puff pastry, silky vanilla cream, and a cloud of whipped cream—pure bliss in every bite. I’m Sofya Petrova from SofyaRecipes, where I turn simple ingredients into something special, and these Pastry Cream Slices are a family favorite.
Back in my Chicago kitchen, I’d whip up Pastry Cream Slices for weekend treats or last-minute gatherings. They’re a nod to European patisseries, but with a no-fuss twist that fits busy lives. Whether you’re a mom juggling chaos or just love a sweet escape, these Pastry Cream Slices are perfect—ready with minimal effort and a couple hours of chilling. Let’s dive into this creamy delight!
Why You’ll Love Pastry Cream Slices
What’s the magic of Pastry Cream Slices? It’s the layers—crisp pastry, smooth vanilla cream, and fluffy whipped topping. They’re a textural dream!
They’re also a cinch to make. Using store-bought puff pastry, these Pastry Cream Slices come together fast—great for beginners or time-crunched bakers.
You’ll get 8 generous slices—ideal for sharing or savoring over a few days. Think of them as a lighter cousin to an ice cream cake slice, but with that bakery vibe.
In about 2.5 hours (mostly chilling), you’ll have Pastry Cream Slices that look fancy and taste divine. They’re your new go-to dessert—let’s get started!
What You’ll Need for Pastry Cream Slices
No bakery run needed—these Cream Slices use pantry staples and a few extras. Here’s the lineup:
Pastry Layers:
- 275 g refrigerated puff pastry (1 sheet) – The flaky base and top for your Pastry Cream Slices.
Vanilla Cream Layer:
- 2 medium eggs – For richness and structure.
- 80 g sugar – Sweetens the cream just right.
- 1 packet vanilla pudding powder (40 g) – A shortcut to thick, creamy goodness.
- 20 g all-purpose flour – Helps it set.
- 500 ml milk – The creamy foundation.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste – Deepens the flavor.
Glaze and Whipped Cream:
- 1.5 packets clear cake glaze powder (for 250 ml liquid each) – Optional, adds shine (used per package if desired).
- 300 g heavy cream – For that airy top layer.
- 25 g vanilla sugar – Sweetens the whip.
- 2 packets whipped cream stabilizer – Keeps it firm.
No puff pastry? Try a homemade dough like in my Classic White Bread Recipe Guide—but store-bought keeps Cream Slices quick!
How to Make Pastry Cream Slices
Ready to craft Cream Slices? It’s simple—here’s how:
- Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (392°F, top and bottom heat). Get ready for Cream Slices baking! - Prep Pastry
Roll out puff pastry and cut in half—one base, one top. Prick both with a fork to prevent puffing. - Bake Pastry
Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover with parchment, and weigh down with another tray. Bake 13 minutes, then remove weights and bake 2-3 minutes more if needed. Cool completely. - Make Vanilla Cream
Separate eggs. Beat whites with 20 g sugar until stiff—set aside. Beat yolks with 60 g sugar until creamy. - Thicken Cream
Mix pudding powder and flour with 150 ml milk. Heat remaining milk with vanilla paste until simmering. Temper yolk mix with hot milk, combine, and cook on low until thick—don’t boil! - Fold in Whites
Cool the cream slightly, then fold in stiff egg whites. This makes your Pastry Cream Slices filling light and luscious. - Assemble Base
Place a baking frame around one pastry sheet. Pour in vanilla cream, smooth it, and chill 1 hour. - Whip Cream Layer
Whip heavy cream with vanilla sugar and stabilizer until stiff. Spread over chilled vanilla cream. Chill 1 more hour. - Top and Serve
Cut the second pastry into 8 squares. Place on top, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy your Pastry Cream Slices!
Total time: ~2 hours 50 minutes (35 min prep, 15 min bake, 2 hours chill). You’ll get 8 Pastry Cream Slices at ~420 calories each.
Tips for Perfect Pastry Cream Slices
Nail your Pastry Cream Slices with these:
- Prick Well: Fork holes stop pastry from ballooning.
- Cool Cream: Hot cream deflates egg whites—let it rest a bit.
- Chill Firm: 2 hours ensures Cream Slices set perfectly.
- Stabilizer Swap: No stabilizer? A teaspoon of cornstarch works.
- Flavor Twist: Add lemon zest, like in my Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes.
What’s Special About Brioche Bread?
What’s so special about brioche bread? It’s rich—eggs and butter make it tender and flavorful, unlike leaner breads. Cream Slices don’t use brioche, but the creamy vibe echoes that luxe feel.
How Is Brioche Different from Normal Bread?
How is brioche different from normal bread? Normal bread is lean—flour, water, yeast. Brioche adds eggs, butter, and sugar for a cake-like crumb—think Pastry Cream Slices richness without the dough!
Is Brioche Healthier Than Bread?
Is brioche healthier than bread? Not really—brioche’s higher fat and calories (~300-400 kcal per serving) make it a treat, not a health food. Pastry Cream Slices at 420 kcal lean indulgent too.
What Is Alsatian Kougelhopf?
What is Alsatian Kougelhopf? It’s a yeasted bread from Alsace, often with raisins or almonds, baked in a fluted mold—similar to brioche but distinct. Cream Slices share that regional richness vibe.
Why Is It Called Alsatian?
Why is it called Alsatian? “Alsatian” ties to Alsace, a French region near Germany known for hearty, rich bakes like Kougelhopf. Pastry Cream Slices nod to that tradition, even without brioche dough.
Nutritional Info and Calorie Chat
Each Pastry Cream Slice (~420 kcal) packs ~5g protein from eggs and cream. Fat’s ~25g, thanks to cream and butter (source: Medical News Today).
“How many calories in a slice of ice cream cake?” Typically 300-500 kcal—similar to Pastry Cream Slices. Both are indulgent, but these slices skip the freezer!
A Longer Dive into Pastry Cream Slices
Let’s linger on why Pastry Cream Slices are so irresistible—they’re a little escape you can whip up at home, no patisserie degree needed. Picture this: you’re rolling out puff pastry, the oven’s humming, and the kitchen fills with that buttery scent—it’s a mini vacation from the daily grind, whether you’re dodging deadlines or wrangling kids. The vanilla cream comes together with a satisfying thickness, folding in those fluffy egg whites like a secret weapon for lightness, and then there’s the whipped cream layer—pure decadence that feels fancy without the fuss. Chilling takes time, sure—2 hours—but it’s hands-off, letting you sneak in a coffee break or a quick scroll through your phone. When you top it with pastry squares and a dusting of sugar, it’s not just dessert—it’s a moment of pride, a nod to European classics like Kougelhopf, but tailored for your busy life.
These Pastry Cream Slices are proof that simple ingredients can become extraordinary with a little love and patience.
Why Pastry Cream Slices Shine
Pastry Cream Slices blend ease with elegance. They’re rich like an ice cream cake slice but lighter—no freezing required. Perfect for any day or occasion!
FAQs About Pastry Cream Slices
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes—Pastry Cream Slices shine without it, or use a jam glaze for flair.
How to store?
Fridge for 2 days, covered. Freeze layers separately for a month—see Classic White Bread Recipe Guide.
No pudding powder?
Make a custard with cornstarch—works great for Pastry Cream Slices.
Add fruit?
Berries between layers—yum!
Beyond Pastry Cream Slices
Loved these Pastry Cream Slices? Try my Braided Easter Nest Buns or French Chocolate Crepes for more treats. Happy baking!