Best 3 Italian Pastry Cream Recipes

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Indulge in the exquisite world of Italian pastry cream, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds for centuries. This velvety smooth and luscious custard forms the heart of numerous iconic Italian desserts, adding a touch of elegance and decadence to every bite. From the classic Mille-Feuille, where crisp layers of puff pastry are delicately layered with pastry cream, to the irresistible Profiteroles, filled with airy choux pastry and topped with a rich chocolate ganache, Italian pastry cream takes center stage, tantalizing the senses with its creamy texture and symphony of flavors. Embark on a culinary journey through this article, where you'll discover the secrets to crafting the perfect Italian pastry cream, along with a collection of delectable recipes that showcase its versatility. Whether you're a seasoned pastry chef or a home baker seeking to elevate your desserts, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create exceptional Italian pastry cream that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

PASTICCIERA CREAM (ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM )



Pasticciera Cream (Italian Pastry Cream ) image

This is a basic recipe for Italian pastry cream which is used as a filling for many cakes and pastries. The chocolate pastry cream is made from this same base, with the addition of the chocolate. Depending on the recipe you are going to use the pastry cream for, you may prefer to omit the lemon rind. Here are the recipes for the basic and chocolate variety. Prep/Cook times do not include chilling time.

Provided by Dee514

Categories     Dessert

Time 20m

Yield 2 1/2 Cups (approx)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons sugar (or confectioner's sugar)
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind (omit for chocolate pasticciera cream) (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 ounces baking chocolate, grated

Steps:

  • Place sugar, egg yolks flour, lemon rind (if using it), and vanilla in a sauce pan and mix together well.
  • In a separate sauce pan, scald milk.
  • Very slowly pour milk over egg yolk mixture, in a thin stream, beating constantly with rotary beater.
  • Continue cooking on low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until mixture reaches the boiling point.
  • Cook 4 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
  • (**At this point, if making chocolate pasticciera cream, add chocolate and while stirring, cook 1 minute longer.) Remove pan from heat, add butter and mix well.
  • Pour into bowl and let cool, stir occasionally to prevent skin from forming over the top.
  • If using as a cake/pastry filling, chill (with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming) until very thick at least 3-4 hours.
  • For Chocolate Pasticciera Cream: **Add grated chocolate to cooked pasticciera cream and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly, until chocolate is blended well.
  • Cool/chill before using as a cake/pastry filling.

CREMA PASTICCERA (ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM) FOR BOMBOLONI



CREMA PASTICCERA (ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM) FOR BOMBOLONI image

Categories     Egg

Number Of Ingredients 5

500 ml (2cups) whole milk
1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
6 large egg yolks
180 g (¾ cup + 2½ teaspoons) caster (superfine granules) sugar
40 g (1/3 cup or 5 tablespoons) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted

Steps:

  • Crema Pasticcera {Italian Pastry Cream} In a small saucepan bring milk, vanilla bean, and vanilla bean seeds just to the boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover and let steep 10 to 12 minutes. In a large bowl, using a large hand whisk, cream together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Add the flour and whisk to well combine. Gradually, in a steady stream, add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture; whisking constantly until well combined. Return the milk-egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain Crema Pasticcera through a fine mesh sieve into a 20-cm (8 inch) square dish or 23 X 33 cm (9 X13 inch) rectangular dish. Discard solids. (A little tip for you - I remove the vanilla bean; give it a quick rinse and then allow it to dry and use it when I am making syrups or compotes (gives the compote or syrup a hint of vanilla taste) or I also place the vanilla bean in a mason jar (a large one because I continue to add beans and top with more sugar as I go along) with sugar and make my own vanilla sugar (make sure the vanilla bean is completely dry before storing with sugar.) (This time I saved the vanilla bean and used it to make my stems for decorating the completed Pesche.) Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto Crema Pasticcera to prevent a skin from forming while cooling. When Crema Pasticcera has completely cooled place in refrigerator to chill until ready to fill cookies.

ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM RECIPE - (4.3/5)



Italian Pastry Cream Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by á-46071

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup sugar
A vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
The yolks of 6 very fresh eggs
1 pint (500 ml) whole milk
A pinch of salt.

Steps:

  • Crema pasticcera is not difficult to make, though it does require care and attention lest it curdle. Fernanda Gosetti, author of Il Dolcissimo, suggests you use a copper pot because it conducts heat better, and adds that if you make crema pasticcera frequently you should invest in a round-bottomed pot because its entire contents will be accessible to the whisk or spoon. She also notes that the crema should be transferred to a bowl as soon as it's ready, because it will continue to cook in the pot. The quantities given above can easily be expanded or reduced. Set all but 1/2 cup of the milk to warm over a slow burner with the vanilla bean. In the meantime, lightly whisk the yolks in a bowl to break them. Strain the flour into the bowl, whisking gently, and making sure that no lumps form. Whisk in the sugar too, and then the remaining half cup of milk, keeping a wary eye for lumps. By this time the milk on the stove will be about ready to boil. Fish out and discard the vanilla bean, and slowly whisk the milk into the egg-and-milk mixture. Return the cream to the pot and the pot to the fire, and continue cooking over a low flame, stirring gently, until it barely reaches a slow boil. Count to 120 while stirring constantly and it's done. (Note -- depending on your eggs and milk it may thicken to the proper consistency before it boils. If it reaches roughly the consistency of commercially prepared plain yogurt of the sort that will pour from the cup it's done). Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool, gently stirring it often to keep a skin from forming across top.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cream and butter, as they will greatly affect the final flavor of the pastry cream.
  • Make sure the milk and cream are cold before starting the recipe, as this will help prevent the eggs from curdling.
  • Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they are thick and pale yellow, this will help prevent the pastry cream from becoming grainy.
  • Temper the eggs by slowly whisking in the hot milk mixture, this will help prevent the eggs from scrambling.
  • Cook the pastry cream over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
  • Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Chill the pastry cream for at least 2 hours before using, this will allow it to set and develop its full flavor.

Conclusion:

Italian pastry cream is a versatile and delicious dessert that can be used in a variety of ways. With its smooth and creamy texture, rich flavor, and endless possibilities for flavor variations, it's a must-try for any pastry lover. Whether you use it to fill pastries, top cakes, or simply enjoy it on its own, Italian pastry cream is sure to impress. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give this classic recipe a try and indulge in its creamy goodness.

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