Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ vanilla bean (split and seeded)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (more to taste if desired)
Instructions
- In a large high-sided saucepot, combine whole milk, vanilla bean pod and seeds, and half of the sugar. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stabilize a large bowl with a damp towel. Whisk the whole egg, egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar until pale yellow. Prepare a baking sheet with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Once the milk boils, whisk the egg mixture again, then slowly add a small amount of hot milk while whisking. Gradually incorporate the rest of the milk and whisk vigorously to combine.
- Return the mixture to the saucepot over medium-high heat. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until it thickens, then switch to a whisk.
- Whisk vigorously until the cream thickens and boils. Continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Scrape the hot pastry cream onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out. Cover with plastic wrap, poke a few holes, and refrigerate until cool, at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until soft peaks form, then transfer to a clean bowl.
- Add the cold pastry cream to the mixer, removing the vanilla bean pod. Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and thick.
- Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pastry cream to loosen it. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until smooth and combined.
- Transfer to a piping bag or bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
For a sweeter flavor, adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste.
This crème works well as a filling for cakes, tarts, or pastries.
Store any leftover cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.