Mille-Feuille Recipe

Mille-feuille, also known as Napoleon pastry, is a classic French dessert that features layers of flaky puff pastry and rich pastry cream. This delightful treat is perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of making a traditional mille-feuille, from the ingredients to the final assembly. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes!

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 50g (3.5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 150g (2/3 cup) cold water
• 175g (3/4 cup) cold butter (for laminating)
• Additional flour for rolling

For the Pastry Cream

• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 6 large egg yolks
• 135g (2/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 37g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
• 15g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, cold

For the Icing

• 300g (2.5 cups) powdered sugar
• 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Grocery List

1. All-purpose flour
2. Salt
3. Unsalted butter (both melted and cold)
4. Cold water
5. Whole milk
6. Vanilla bean
7. Egg yolks
8. Granulated sugar
9. Cornstarch
10. Powdered sugar

Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and add cold water and melted butter.
3. Gradually mix until the dough comes together; do not overwork it.
4. Knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Laminate the Dough

1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Place the cold butter in the center and fold the dough over to encase it.
3. Roll out again into a rectangle and fold into thirds like a letter.
4. Repeat this process two more times, chilling between folds.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the laminated dough to about 1/16 inch thick and cut into rectangles (about 2×4 inches).
3. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
5. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with vanilla seeds and pod until just boiling; remove from heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in hot milk to temper the eggs.
4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, stir in cold butter, and let cool.

Step 5: Assemble the Mille-Feuille

1. Place one layer of pastry on a serving platter.
2. Spread a layer of pastry cream on top.
3. Add another layer of pastry and repeat with cream.
4. Finish with a third layer of pastry.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

1. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread icing over the top layer of pastry.

Tips & Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are cold when making puff pastry for better flakiness.
• Use a sharp knife to cut through layers when serving to maintain clean edges.
• You can flavor your pastry cream with coffee or chocolate for variation.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 20g

Cooking Time

• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Active Time: About 1 hour

Mille-feuille is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines texture, flavor, and artistry in every bite! Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this classic French pastry is sure to impress.

Join our kitchen companion membership today for more delicious recipes that will elevate your cooking game! Happy baking!