Name: Master Pastry Cream Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 4 egg yolks; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

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Master Pastry Cream Filling Recipe

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, place the milk over low-medium heat and bring to a simmer or about 190 degrees F (85 degrees C).

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until pale in color and the mixture flows off of the whisk.

Once the milk has reached a simmer, slowly pour half of it into the egg-sugar mixture while simultaneously whisking to temper the eggs. Pour everything back into the saucepan and place over medium heat. Use a rubber spatula to mix constantly as it thickens.

Once the pastry cream is thick and a few big bubbles come to the surface, continue whisking for one more minute, then remove the pan from heat.

Immediately add the butter and vanilla, and use an immersion blender (or rubber spatula) to combine. Pour the pastry cream through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl to ensure it’s perfectly smooth.

Press plastic wrap up against the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming, and place in the fridge to chill overnight or until ready to use.

Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Temper Your Egg Yolks Carefully 🥚
Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into your egg yolks while whisking constantly to gradually raise their temperature and prevent scrambling, ensuring a silky-smooth cream.
Cook Out the Cornstarch Taste 🌾
Continue cooking the pastry cream on medium heat for 1-2 minutes after it thickens to fully gelatinize the cornstarch and eliminate any raw, floury flavor.
Strain for Ultimate Silkiness 🫖
Push the warm pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg solids or lumps, guaranteeing a velvety texture that's restaurant-quality.
Butter Addition = Richness Boost 🧈
Stir in cold butter at the very end while the cream is still warm to incorporate fat that adds luxurious mouthfeel and prevents a skin from forming as it cools.
Chill with Plastic Wrap Contact 🍨
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream while chilling to prevent oxidation and skin formation, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days.