Berry Custard Pastries

Name: Berry Custard Pastries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 pastries
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 cups milk; 4 egg yolks; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These delightful Berry Custard Pastries are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Flaky pastry shells filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh, juicy berries create a stunning and delicious treat that will impress your family and guests. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these pastries are a festive way to celebrate the season and make for a show-stopping Christmas cookie alternative.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2025-12-01T11:09:12.036Z

Berry Custard Pastries are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of seasonal fruits and textures. Enjoy these pastries throughout the holidays!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Berry Custard Pastries are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions beyond just the holiday season. Whether you're hosting a summer garden party, celebrating a family birthday, or simply having friends over for tea, these pastries will always impress. The vibrant colors of the fresh berries combined with the creamy custard create a visual delight that is hard to resist. Each bite bursts with flavor, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness that appeals to both children and adults.

These pastries are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to present. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat, or serve them as a stunning dessert at your next dinner party. With their elegant appearance and delectable taste, they can easily replace traditional desserts, elevating your gathering's overall appeal and impressing your guests.

Make Ahead for Convenience

One of the best parts about Berry Custard Pastries is how well they can be prepared in advance. You can make the pastry shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for several days. This means you can spend more time enjoying the festivities with your family and less time in the kitchen. Simply prepare the custard filling a day before serving and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.

This makes it easier than ever to serve a delicious dessert without the last-minute stress. When you're ready to host, quickly fill the pastries with the custard, top with fresh berries, and sprinkle powdered sugar. The result is a beautiful and mouth-watering treat that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen—but only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Customization Ideas

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delightful Berry Custard Pastries:

Pastry Shells

1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg (for egg wash)

Vanilla Custard Filling

2 cups milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ensure all required ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Berry Custard Pastries:

Prepare the Pastry Shells

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into circles. Place them in a greased muffin tin and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Custard

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and vanilla extract. Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly.

Return to the heat, stir until thickened, then let cool.

Assemble the Pastries

Once the pastry shells are cooled, fill them with the custard and top with fresh berries. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your Berry Custard Pastries as a delightful treat for your guests!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Berry Custard Pastries with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also elevate this already delicious dessert, making it even more appealing for chocoholics. For a fresh touch, consider serving them alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a light sorbet to balance out the sweet richness of the custard.

Adding a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a sweet dessert wine can create a lovely pairing that enhances the overall experience. Consider offering a variety of beverages to cater to your guests' preferences, making your dessert table not only visually appealing but also a celebration of flavors.

Storage Tips

To ensure your Berry Custard Pastries stay fresh, it's important to store them properly. Because of the custard filling, these pastries are best enjoyed the day they are assembled. However, if you have leftover pastries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be aware that the pastry shells may lose their crispiness over time due to the moisture from the custard and berries.

If you need to make them in advance, consider storing the custard filling and pastry shells separately. This way, you can assemble them just before serving, keeping the pastry crust flaky and delicious. Remember to consume the pastries within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pastry shells in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.

→ What other fruits can I use?

You can use any seasonal berries or even stone fruits like peaches or plums.