Classic Mille-Feuille Recipe

Classic Mille-Feuille Recipe

Introduction

The Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, is a quintessential French dessert renowned for its delicate, flaky layers of puff pastry and creamy filling. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures—crisp pastry contrasted with the velvety smoothness of pastry cream. Whether served for a special occasion or as a treat with coffee, this dessert never fails to impress.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

• 3 sheets of store-bought puff pastry (or homemade, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for caramelized layers)

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate (melted, for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to ensure even thickness.
3. Place the pastry on parchment-lined baking trays. Prick them all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Place another sheet of parchment and a baking tray on top to weigh the pastry down during baking.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the top tray and parchment. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and return to the oven for 5 minutes until golden and caramelized. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

1. Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, and let cool. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Assemble the Mille-Feuille

1. Trim the puff pastry sheets to create even edges.
2. Place one sheet of pastry on a serving tray. Pipe or spread an even layer of chilled pastry cream over it.
3. Add the second layer of puff pastry and repeat with more pastry cream. Top with the final pastry layer.

Step 4: Decorate with Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Spread it evenly over the top layer of puff pastry.
2. Drizzle melted chocolate in parallel lines across the glaze. Use a toothpick to drag through the lines to create a feathered pattern.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the assembled Mille-Feuille for at least 2 hours to set.
2. Slice carefully with a sharp knife and serve chilled.

Conclusion

The Mille-Feuille is an artful balance of simplicity and sophistication. With its crispy, caramelized layers and rich, creamy filling, it’s sure to become a show-stopping favorite. Whether you’re indulging solo or impressing guests, this dessert is bound to be a memorable experience. Bon appétit!