Pastry Cream, Confectioners' Custard, from The Italian Bakery
A pastry cream that has the perfect consistency and a hint of sweetness. Be generous with it. Your pastry will thank you.
Equipment
- Whisk or fork
- Bain-Marie or a bowl and another bowl that fits inside it
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 1 unwaxed lemon, or 1 vanilla bean pod
- 6 egg yolks
- ½ cup super fine caster sugar or your best substitute
- 3 oz type "00" flour or all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Zest the Lemon or Split the Vanilla Bean Pod: Wash your hands with soap and water. Use a paddle grater to zest the lemon into a bowl. If using a vanilla bean, split the pod lengthwise using a knife.
- Heat the Milk: Use a measuring cup to add the milk to a saucepan. Add the lemon zest or vanilla bean. Set it over low heat. Bring the milk almost to a boil. Turn off the burner and set the milk aside to cool.
- Combine the Eggs & Sugar: Use a kitchen scale to weigh the sugar in a bowl. Separate the eggs, adding the yolks to a bowl. If you're new to separating eggs, try doing it over the sink. It will be a mess, and you'll lose a couple, but it's fun. Wash your hands when finished. Whisk the yolks and sugar until light and foamy.
- Add the Flour: Weigh the flour and add it to the egg yolk mixture. Mix it all together.
- Strain the Milk: When the milk is warm, strain it into a clean saucepan or bowl.
- Combine the Milk & Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the milk into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk continuously while pouring to avoid lumps.
- Strain it Into a Saucepan: Strain the custard mixture into a clean saucepan. Bring it to a simmer.
- Cook for 5 Minutes: Cook over low heat 5 minutes while stirring continuously with a spatula. The custard should become quite thick. Turn off the stove when finished.
- Cool the Pastry Cream: Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl. Set it in an ice bain-marie to cool. Cover with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should touch the surface of the custard. Leave it to cool. Hopefully, you've already got a sweet treat in mind to go with your pastry cream.
Notes
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
- Full Lesson Info and Pictures at: https://happyhomeschooladventures.com/pastry-cream
Nutrition
Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1mg
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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