Crema Pasticcera Recipe (Italian Pastry Cream) Recipe
Learn how to make Crema Pasticcera, a delicious Italian pastry cream that is versatile and perfect for filling cakes, pastries, and more. This creamy custard is easy to make and elevates any dessert it’s added to.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crema Pasticcera:
- 1 cup milk, divided (preferably whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (for a lightly sweet custard, use 1/2 cup sugar)
- 5 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat until steaming, then set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, flour, and cornstarch with remaining milk until smooth.
- Temper the eggs by adding hot milk mixture gradually, then pour back into the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture until thickened, then strain into a bowl over an ice bath. Add butter and vanilla.
- Chill the cream with plastic wrap pressed against the surface.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Follow instructions carefully for a smooth cream.
- Use fresh eggs at room temperature.
- Consider adding a vanilla bean for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
