Description
Delicate Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, is a classic French dessert made of layers of crisp puff pastry and silky pastry cream, topped with a glaze or powdered sugar. This elegant dessert is rich, creamy, and perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (about 14 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate, melted (for marbled glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Prick with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Place another baking sheet on top to keep the pastry flat. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool completely and then trim edges for even layers.
- To make the pastry cream, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until just about to boil. Slowly whisk it into the egg mixture to temper. Return mixture to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely, then chill in the fridge.
- To assemble, place one layer of puff pastry on a serving tray. Spread one-third of the chilled pastry cream on top. Repeat layers, finishing with the final pastry sheet.
- Dust with powdered sugar or glaze with a thin icing made of powdered sugar and milk. For the marbled look, drizzle melted chocolate and drag a toothpick through it to create a pattern.
- Chill the mille-feuille for at least 1 hour before slicing with a sharp knife.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, use a serrated knife and chill the dessert well before slicing.
- You can flavor the pastry cream with coffee, lemon, or liqueur for variations.
- Best enjoyed the same day, as the pastry may soften over time in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: mille-feuille, napoleon dessert, puff pastry dessert, french pastry, pastry cream dessert