Quick answer: whisk 4 egg yolks with ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of cornstarch, whisk in 2 cups of hot milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until it thickens and bubbles for a full minute. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter and vanilla, cover the surface and chill.
Ingredients (about 2½ cups)
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to make it
- Heat the milk until steaming.
- Whisk the yolks, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a bowl until smooth.
- Whisk the hot milk into the yolk mixture gradually, then pour it all back into the pan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick. Let it bubble for a full minute, still whisking.
- Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and chill for at least 2 hours.
Tips
- Whisk into the corners of the pan, where it catches first.
- Do not skip the full minute of boiling.
- Cover the surface so it does not form a skin.
- Whisk the cold pastry cream until smooth before using.
Flavors
- Chocolate: whisk in 3 oz chopped chocolate with the butter.
- Coffee: dissolve 1 tbsp instant espresso in the hot milk.
- Lemon: add the zest of a lemon to the milk.
Lighter versions
Fold whipped cream into cold pastry cream to make diplomat cream. For fillings by type, see cream puff filling; for the pourable version, see crème anglaise.
Storage
Keep covered in the fridge and use within 2-3 days. It does not freeze well.
Frequently asked questions
What is pastry cream?
A thick vanilla custard, thickened with egg yolks and starch, used to fill éclairs, cream puffs, tarts and cakes. In French it is crème pâtissière.
Why is my pastry cream runny?
It was not boiled long enough. It must bubble for a full minute so the starch sets properly.
Why is my pastry cream lumpy?
It was not whisked constantly as it thickened. Press it through a sieve while warm.
Can I lighten pastry cream?
Yes. Fold in whipped cream to make diplomat cream, which is lighter and pipes well.
