Classic Vanilla Slice

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of this Classic Vanilla Slice, featuring layers of flaky pastry and creamy vanilla custard, all topped with a smooth glaze. This beloved dessert is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special dessert after dinner. With its delicate layers and rich vanilla flavor, this Vanilla Slice is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

1. Baking dish or tray
2. Saucepan
3. Mixing bowls
4. Whisk
5. Rolling pin
6. Parchment paper
7. Sharp knife

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
• Flour, for dusting

For the Vanilla Custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Pastry: Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking dish. Transfer the rolled pastry sheet to the prepared baking dish. Prick the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
3. Make the Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Vanilla Slice: Once the pastry has cooled, spread the vanilla custard evenly over the baked pastry in the baking dish. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking dish. Carefully place the rolled pastry sheet over the custard layer, pressing down gently to adhere.
5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
6. Finish and Serve: Pour the glaze over the top layer of pastry, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the assembled vanilla slice in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the vanilla slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!