Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert masterpiece! This Mille Feuille of Benne Wafers, Pastry Cream, and Berries is not just a dessert—it's an experience that marries delicate textures, rich flavors, and stunning visual appeal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning food lovers with its elegant layers and irresistible combination of crisp wafers, silky cream, and fresh berries.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: dessert
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package benne wafers
- 2 cups pastry cream
- 1 cup mixed berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you're using store-bought benne wafers, you can skip this step. If you're making your own, prepare the benne wafer dough according to your recipe and roll it out thinly.
- Place the benne wafers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
- While the wafers are cooling, prepare the pastry cream. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Once the pastry cream is chilled and the benne wafers are completely cool, it's time to assemble the mille feuille. Start by placing one benne wafer on a serving plate as the base.
- Spread a layer of pastry cream over the wafer, then add a layer of mixed berries on top of the cream. Repeat this process, layering wafers, pastry cream, and berries until you reach your desired height, finishing with a benne wafer on top.
- For the final touch, dust the top layer of the mille feuille with powdered sugar using a fine sieve for an elegant presentation.
- Chill the assembled mille feuille in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.
- Slice into portions and serve with additional mixed berries on the side, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mille Feuille of Benne Wafers Pastry Cream and Berries!
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your pastry cream and benne wafers are completely cool before assembling to prevent soggy layers.
- Chill for structure: Refrigerating the assembled mille feuille helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve for powdered sugar dusting to achieve a professional, even coating.
- For best results, assemble the dessert close to serving time to maintain the wafers' crispness.
- Choose fresh, ripe berries for the most vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
- If making pastry cream from scratch, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Don't overload layers—balance is crucial for both taste and structural integrity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
