Name: Pastry Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: Ingredients:; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; ¼ cup cornstarch; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Pastry Cream Recipe is the rich, creamy secret behind the world’s best desserts, and this easy recipe will have you whipping up a perfect batch in just 25 minutes. If there’s one dessert component that has the power to instantly make any pastry taste like it came straight out of a Parisian bakery, it’s pastry cream. This smooth, velvety, and rich custard is the backbone of so many iconic desserts – think eclairs, fruit tarts, Boston cream pie, and even some filled donuts.

I still remember the first time I made pastry cream in my tiny kitchen apartment. I was nervous – custards can be tricky, and I had heard horror stories about curdling eggs and lumps. But after just one try, I realized that with the right technique, it’s actually one of the easiest and most forgiving recipes in the pastry world. Plus, the flavor? Heavenly.

Whether you’re a home baker looking to step up your game or just someone who wants to enjoy a spoonful of pure creamy bliss, this pastry cream recipe is your ticket. And trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never buy store-bought again.

If you love creamy desserts, you might also enjoy my Lemon Cream Cake Recipe — it’s super fluffy and pairs beautifully with coffee.

Ingredients

For this pastry cream recipe, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect, silky texture.

2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Making pastry cream is all about patience and attention to heat. Here’s the foolproof method:

Warm the Milk
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer. Don’t let it boil – you just want it hot enough to temper the eggs later.
Mix the Egg Yolks & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk.
Cook Until Thick
Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it thickens and starts to bubble. This should take about 1–2 minutes.
Add Butter & Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
Cool Properly
Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming, and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of rum, almond extract, or citrus zest for a twist.
Extra Creamy: Fold in whipped cream after chilling for a lighter texture.
Chocolate Pastry Cream: Stir in 4 ounces of chopped dark chocolate while the mixture is hot.

For another luscious and creamy recipe, check out my Creamy Mushroom Soup — it’s comfort in a bowl.

Storage

Pastry cream is best when fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface. Do not freeze, as the texture can break.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of pastry cream

Tools Used

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Plastic wrap
Rubber spatula

Pastry Cream Recipe – Perfect for Any Dessert

Pastry cream isn’t just a filling; it’s the flavor foundation for so many iconic treats. From tarts topped with fresh berries to decadent cream-filled cakes, mastering this recipe opens a whole new world of baking possibilities.

Final Thoughts

Once you learn how to make this silky, flavorful pastry cream, you’ll realize it’s one of the most versatile recipes in your dessert arsenal. It’s not just for special occasions – whip up a batch and enjoy it with fresh fruit or spoon it into puff pastry for an easy treat.

And if you’re looking for more inspiration for your next dessert masterpiece, I recommend checking AllRecipes for creative variations and flavor ideas.