This classic vanilla custard slice is delicious, creamy and oh-so-simple. Made with an irresistibly smooth vanilla custard, layers of flaky puff pastry and topped with vanilla icing, this easy slice recipe makes the perfect afternoon tea!
Served in bakeries all over Australia, the classic vanilla slice is a childhood favourite and true Aussie icon! Silky and thick vanilla custard, sandwiched between puff pastry and vanilla scented icing. Does dessert get any better?!
And now, you don’t have to drive to the bakery to buy a slice! Using this easy vanilla slice recipe, you can make your own version at home. This easy custard slice recipe using custard powder and puff pastry is my take on this nostalgic Australian dessert.
Using simple pantry ingredients, this slice only takes around 20 minutes to prepare and in my humble opinion, tastes better than the bakery version! Grab a whisk and let’s get started!
How to make homemade vanilla slice
With three simple elements, this recipe is very easy to make at home.
Rather than using a homemade custard made with fresh eggs, this recipe uses custard powder instead. The custard powder is whisked together with sugar, milk, cream and vanilla over low heat which is a much simpler and faster way to make the filling. And I think it tastes more like the classic bakery version this way!
Once the homemade custard has thickened, it is covered and set aside to cool.
Two sheets of frozen puff pastry are then pricked with a fork and baked until flaky (but not browned). The custard filling is spooned onto one piece of the puff pastry, before being topped with the other layer and a thin layer of an easy vanilla icing mixture to finish.
The whole slice is set in the fridge before slicing (see tips below for best results).
Tips for the best vanilla slice
This recipe is super simple, but here are a few tips to ensure you get the best results;
- Cook the custard over a very low heat to ensure that it doesn’t catch and burn on the bottom of the saucepan. It is easy to get impatient and turn up the heat to speed up the thickening process. But whisking continually over low heat will result in a smooth custard, minus the lumps and burnt bits.
- Thick custard is key! Ensure that you whisk the custard until it is very thick so that it holds its shape in the slice. Thick custard is much easier to cut and will not ooze out the sides.
- While cooling, cover the custard by placing a plastic or silicone wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. This prevents a skin forming while it is cooling and setting.
- If possible, make the slice the day before it is required. It is much easier to cut once the custard and icing have had time to set. At the very least, leave the slice in the refrigerator for 4 hours to set before cutting.
- This is my favourite tip and results in much cleaner slices. Cut the top layer of pastry with a clean pair of scissors before using a sharp knife to cut through the rest of the vanilla slice. Attempting to cut through the top layer with a knife can push the pastry down too far, resulting in the custard being forced out the sides of the slice. Using scissors to cut the top layer prevents this crime against custard slice from happening!
- Keep the puff pastry as flat as possible. Pricking holes with a fork helps to prevent the pastry puffing up too much. Once the pastry is cooked, you can gently press it down with your hands (after it has cooled slightly).
- For passionfruit vanilla slice, replace the water and vanilla in the icing mixture for passion fruit pulp.
Some other dessert, baking and slice recipes that you will love;
If you try this vanilla custard slice recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment or review below, or send me a message. For more food inspiration, tips and to share your own recipes and creations, head over to my Facebook Recipe Group.
Vanilla Custard Slice
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen butter puff pastry thawed
- 1 ½ cups caster sugar 315 grams
- 1 cup custard powder 135 grams
- 4 cups thickened cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
For the icing
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons butter softened at room temperature
- 1 – 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- milk or water
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 190 °C (374F) and place the sheets of thawed puff pastry on a flat oven tray lined with baking paper.
- Using a fork, prick the puff pastry all over to prevent it puffing up too high while baking.
- Bake for around 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry has become puffed and flaky and lightly golden.
- Place the puff pastry on a wire rack to cool.
For the custard filling
- While the pastry is baking, place the sugar and custard powder into a large saucepan and whisk together.
- Add the cream, milk and vanilla and whisk until smooth and combined.
- Over very low heat, continue to whisk the custard mixture until it becomes very thick (this may take around 10-15 minutes).
- Pour the hot custard into a bowl and place a layer of plastic or silicone wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, until mostly set.
For the icing
- When you are ready to assemble the slice, make the icing. Place the icing sugar, softened butter and vanilla in a bowl and add enough milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until the mixture forms a thick but spreadable icing. Add a little more milk or water if required, until you reach the desired consistency.
To assemble
- Place one layer of puff pastry into a lined 25 x 25cm square tin or onto a flat board or plate.
- Spoon the custard over the pastry and use a spatula to spread it to the edges.
- Add the second layer of pastry over the top of the custard and top with the vanilla icing, using a flat knife or spatula to spread evenly.
- Cover the tin and refrigerate overnight (minimum 4-6 hours, but overnight is best) before cutting. If using a plate or board, place the slice into an airtight container before refrigerating.
- To cut the slice, use a clean pair of scissors or a serrated knife to cut the top layer of pastry, before running a sharp knife through the remaining layers. Serve cold, straight from the fridge.
Notes
- Puff pastry – use ready-rolled sheets of puff pastry from the frozen section in the supermarket, for convenience. In Australia, they come in squares of 25cm x 25cm. For buttery, flaky and crispy pastry, I recommend butter puff pastry (I use Pampas butter puff pastry) over regular puff pastry, although either will work. I don’t recommend low-fat puff pastry. The pastry needs to be thawed before pricking with a fork, or the pastry may snap. Leave it on the bench at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Custard powder – is a cornflour-based powder which is mixed with milk or cream and heated to make an instant custard. Custard powder is commonly found in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and South Africa. I use Foster Clarks custard powder which can be found in supermarkets, but any custard powder will work. Be sure to measure the custard powder accurately to ensure it thickens properly.
- Thickened cream – thickened cream is a whipping cream containing thickening agents that has a minimum fat content of 35%. Heavy cream or whipping cream can be used instead, but you may need to add a little cornflour to the custard mixture to ensure it thickens enough to hold its shape in the slice.
- Milk – use whole milk or regular milk for the custard filling.
- Vanilla bean paste – the key ingredient. I recommend using the best quality vanilla bean paste you can, as it will make all the difference in the flavour of the slice. In place of vanilla bean paste, you could use vanilla extract or real vanilla beans. I don’t recommend using synthetic vanilla essence.
- Cook the custard over very low heat and whisk continually to ensure that it doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan and burn. It is easy to get impatient and turn up the heat to speed up the thickening process. But whisking continually over low heat will result in a smooth custard with no lumps or burnt bits.
- Whisk the custard until it is very thick so that it holds its shape in the slice. It may take 10+ minutes for the custard to thicken completely.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap, directly on the surface of the custard as it cools. This prevents a skin forming on the top of the custard as it sets. Place the cling wrap onto the bowl of custard and use your hands to gently smooth the wrap over the top of the custard.
- Make the slice the day or night before it is required. It needs to be in the fridge overnight to finish setting.
- For ease of assembly, you can line a 25 x 25cm x 3cm square tin with baking paper and assemble in the tin. Using a tin keeps everything together while the slice sets.
- When baking the puff pastry, make sure the oven is fully pre-heated and the rack is in the middle of the oven. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer.
- Storage; custard slice squares are best eaten the day after being made, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To slice; before slicing vanilla slice, make sure the slice is fully set and work slowly. Gently cut through the top layer of pastry with clean scissors or a serrated knife. Then use a sharp knife to slice in one go.
- The icing will soften at room temperature, so the slice is best when served cold, straight from the fridge.
- For passion fruit custard slice, replace the vanilla and milk in the icing mixture for fresh passion fruit pulp. Add enough to reach a thick but spreadable consistency and only add milk if needed to thin the icing.
- The nutrition information is based on the recipe being made into 16 slices, with one slice being one serve. The nutritional information is an estimate only and does not take into account any additional toppings or sides served with the slice.
- This recipe is made using Australian cups and spoon (metric) measurements. Due to cup sizes varying from country to country, I advise adjusting if necessary.
Nutrition
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Lee says
Excited to make this ! If you skipped the puff pastry ( I don’t have any at the mo ) , would it work as a “set” pudding-style dessert, served in little bowls/ramekins etc? It looks too delicious not to try, what do you think?
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Lee! While it is lovely with the puff pastry, the custard will set in a ramekin or bowl if you decide to serve it this way instead. Enjoy! Andrea 🙂
Greta Oliver says
What is the best custard powder for this recipe pls?
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Greta! I use Foster Clarks custard powder, but any will work. I hope that helps! Andrea 🙂
Sheila chard says
Hi
I have made these for a family gathering and was told by several family members they are the best they have ever tasted so will be definitely making again
Regards
Sheila x
Andrea Geddes says
Hello Sheila! I am so happy to hear that you and your family loved this recipe. It’s one of my favourites too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know, I really appreciate it. Andrea 🙂
Gemma says
Hi,
I’m planning on making these tomorrow and I’ll be sure to leave a review when I do 🙂
I’m in the UK and I’m a bit confused what to use instead of the thickened cream?
Here we have single cream, double cream and extra thick cream (which is basically double cream whipped)
If I need to add gelatine or cornstarch to single cream how much h should I add? And does it need to be warmed on the hob?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Gemma! I’m so happy to hear that you are going to try this recipe. I hope that you love it! In regards to your question, I would use single cream and adjust with a tablespoon or two of cornflour to thicken (if needed). Start with the ingredient quantities as per the recipe card and see how it thickens as you cook it (you may not need to thicken too much). Mix the cornflour with a little milk and add it towards the end if it needs to thicken further. I hope that helps! Andrea.
Tracey-Lee says
Best custard ever.
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Tracey-Lee! You’ve made my day. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it. Andrea 🙂
Carina Albertyn says
Great recipe.
I baked my puff pastry blind and that kept it good and flat. I also have kids and they don’t like waiting, so I cut the top pastry before laying it on top. I used milk instead of water for the icing mix. I just waited 2 hours and then cut the rest through the custard.
It was a great hit. Thanks for recipe.
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Carina! Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know, I’m so glad that you liked the recipe! I blind bake the pastry sheets too which makes them nice and flaky before adding the custard. I like your tip of cutting the pastry first, I usually use scissors to snip the top layer once it has been iced, but this is great too! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Andrea 🙂
Lucy McDonald says
Hi, just asking a quick question, i tried this recipe today as a Brit who lived in Australia for a bit and was really craving an Aussie custard slice. I used double cream that I whipped up to thicken it before adding it to the saucepan and heating the mixture thinned the mixture out again and it never rethickened after even 10 minutes+. Can you give any advice? Is whipped double cream the correct substitute for thickened cream please? It looks like an amazing recipe, the custard tastes AMAZING but just wouldn’t thicken up, any advice would be amazing, thank you!
Andrea Geddes says
Hi Lucy! Unfortunately in this recipe, thickened cream and double cream are not the same. Thickened cream is a single cream that contains a thickening agent like gelatine. While whipping cream adds air bubbles to give it structure, it won’t give double cream the same properties as the thickened cream. The air bubbles would all collapse as soon as it was added to a hot pan, so it is essentially an extra step that wouldn’t help you and may have caused the cream to lose its structure and become runny. The custard powder should still thicken the mixture when whisked over a hot stove, but if using a different cream you may have needed to add a little cornflour too to compensate for the switch. If you can’t source thickened cream you can add some cornflour mixed with a little milk (try a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency, keeping in mind the custard will continue to thicken and set in the fridge. I’m so glad that you loved the flavour, I hope this info helps and that you try it again!
John says
Brilliant Recipe I keep getting asked to make more by family and friends.
Thank you so much.
Andrea Geddes says
Hi John! That’s so great to hear, I’m so glad you enjoy this slice. It’s one of my favourites! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Andrea 🙂
Alex says
How good is this?! I love vanilla slice! And this is so simple to prepare! Yum!
Andrea Geddes says
Thanks Alex! It’s super easy and so delicious. Perfect for entertaining or for a sweet snack 😀