Creme Patissiere: The Key to Flawless Pastry Cream

Pastry cream, which is also referred to as creme patissiere, is a fundamental ingredient in the realm of baking.

This luscious and silky filling is produced by blending milk, eggs, sugar, and starch, and is commonly used to stuff various pastries and desserts.

Whether you are creating eclairs, cream puffs, or fruit tarts, creme patissiere serves as the ideal filling. In this article, we will delve into the secrets behind creating perfect pastry cream every time.

What exactly is creme patissiere?

Creme patissiere is a rich French pastry cream that is thickened by adding starch and eggs or egg yolks. In contrast to regular custard, which solely contains eggs, sugar, and milk, creme patissiere is denser and more stable. The starch in the recipe aids in thickening the cream and preventing it from separating. This makes it ideal for piping into pastries and cakes.

How to create flawless creme patissiere?

The secret to producing ideal creme patissiere lies in the technique employed. Below are the steps to be followed:

• Heat the milk and flavorings:
  Begin by warming up the milk, vanilla, and any other flavorings you like in a saucepan. This will infuse the milk with flavors and add complexity to the pastry cream.
• Whisk the eggs and sugar:
  In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
• Add the starch:
  Add the starch to the egg mixture and whisk everything together until well-combined.
• Temper the eggs:
  Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This will temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.
• Return to heat:
  Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and put it back on the heat. Cook the mixture while whisking constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
• Chill and store:
  Once the pastry cream has been cooked, transfer it to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the cream until it has completely cooled.

Uses for creme patissiere:

Creme patissiere is a versatile pastry cream that can be utilized in a variety of ways.

Below are some of our favorite ways:

Filling for eclairs, cream puffs, and other pastries. As a base for fruit tarts and other desserts. As a filling for layer cakes. As a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Conclusion: Creme patissiere is a versatile and delectable pastry cream that can elevate your baking to the next level. By following our tips and techniques, you can create perfect pastry cream every time. Use it to fill your preferred pastries, layer cakes, or even as a topping for your breakfast pancakes. With creme patissiere in your baking repertoire, the possibilities are endless.

Check our Creme patissiere recipe to make yourself a perfect Vanilla Pastry Cream you will adore.