Description
Italian crema pasticcera weaves silky vanilla magic into delicate desserts, creating smooth perfection for pastry lovers. Rich with egg yolks and delicate sweetness, this classic cream promises elegant indulgence you’ll savor with each luxurious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy:
- 2 cups (500 milliliters) whole milk
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
Flavoring and Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean seeds
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 lemon peel (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse milk with lemon peel over medium heat until it nearly reaches boiling point, then remove from stove and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Whip egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks.
- Delicately sift cornstarch and salt into the egg mixture, stirring until achieving a silky, lump-free texture.
- Stream the warm, aromatic milk into the egg blend while continuously whisking to maintain a smooth emulsion and prevent protein coagulation.
- Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan, placing over medium heat and stirring persistently with a wooden spoon or whisk.
- Cook the cream, monitoring its transformation until it thickens into a luxurious, pudding-like consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Extract from heat and incorporate vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds, blending thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly.
- Carefully pour the pastry cream into a clean bowl, immediately draping plastic wrap directly against its surface to inhibit skin formation.
- Allow the cream to descend to room temperature, then nestle in the refrigerator to chill and solidify completely.
Notes
- Prevent lumps by whisking constantly while adding warm milk to egg mixture, ensuring smooth and silky texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs at room temperature for better incorporation and richer flavor profile.
- Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to eliminate any potential egg bits or cornstarch clumps.
- Swap vanilla extract with other flavor enhancers like orange zest, almond extract, or rum for unique taste variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 172 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg