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READY IN 1 hr

Pastry Cream for Pies

Read Reviews (23)

"A thick egg custard that has many uses. Spread this in a baked pie shell and cover with fresh fruit." — Jackie

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Original recipe makes 1 - 9 inch pie Change Servings

1 cup milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Directions

In a small saucepan, Heat milk to boiling point and remove from the heat.
In a heatproof mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until pale yellow. Beat in the flour.
Pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture in a steady stream, beating constantly. When all the milk has been added, place the bowl over (not in) a pan of boiling water, or pour the mixture into the top of a double boiler. Heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cook 2 minutes more, then remove from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool.

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PREP 30 mins
COOK 30 mins
READY IN 1 hr

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jan 17, 2005

This was wonderful! I tried the double boiler and it took forever so I just cooked it over the stove with a whisk and it thickened very quickly. Delicious.

—CINDYOWE

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 14, 2011

Extremely sweet! Would definitely cut sugar in half the next time. I also used half-n-half in place of the milk. I found the cooking the combined mixture over the boiling water unnecessary and time consuming. After about a minute I emptied the contents of the bowl back into the small saucepan and cooked the mixture on low heat - whisking constantly. It was cooked and thickened in an instant - and smooth as silk. I also added about a tablespoon of Gran Marnier to the cream for a bit more fun. I used the cream between baked puff pastry squares and then proceeded with sweetened strawberries, real whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fabulous dessert!

—Bassetmom

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28 Ratings

Jul 03, 2008

This is a wonderful filling! It tastes just like pudding and is very easy to make! The only thing that I changed was that I only mixed the milk with the other mixture about halfway and then poured the whole thing into the sauce pan I was already using. I used a whisk and mixed it well, continuing to do so on a very low heat until properly thickened. I then finished the recipe as stated. I used this in empanadas and it was awesome! I'll definitely use it again!

—Shea

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Jun 23, 2009

This was very good. I made it a second time with 1/2 cup of Heavy Cream and 1/2 cups of Whole Milk. Much richer...very, very good. Great filling for Boston Cream Pie.

—hartfordPatrick

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Jan 31, 2004

Quel délice!!! Je cherchais depuis longtemps une recette de crème qui se marie bien avec des fruits. Facile à faire et rapide, j'ai du faire 2 tartes dans la même semaine... mon père l'a adoré ainsi que toute la famille... avec des fruits frais, c'est parfait! Great!!! I was searching for a cream recipe that is good, easy and quick to combine with fruits. I had to make this recipe twice in the same week because of my father... he likes it and all the family... With fresh fruits, it's perfect !

—TWITT123

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Apr 10, 2005

We made this for the first time last night and multiplied the recipie X 4 for 2 strawberry pies. I used a little less sugar than called for and the sweetness was very good. I also added a little lemon extract in addition to the vanillia to bring out the flavor of the berries. I must not have cooked it quite long enough since the custard came out a bit runny for a pie. I will try it again and cook until a bit more solid. Thanks.

—NEILFOX

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Mar 30, 2005

it was an easy recipe, but it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time I'll try with 1/3 cup of sugar. I also didn't use the double boiler, but just put the contents back in the sauce pan and heated it on low heat instead.

—CHIBI0114

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Jun 27, 2005

Used for the filling in a boston creme pie. Everyone loved it. Also made little parfaits out of it w/ blueberries, etc. Wonderful.

—BROOKECUT

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Nutrition

Calories
115 kcal
6%

Carbohydrates
17.3 g
6%

Cholesterol
83 mg
28%

Fat
3.7 g
6%

Fiber
0.1 g
< 1%

Protein
2.4 g
5%

Sodium
26 mg
1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Pastry Cream for Pies

Serving Size: 1/8 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 115
Calories from Fat: 34

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.7g 6 %
Saturated Fat 1.9g 9 %
Cholesterol 83mg 28 %
Sodium 26mg 1 %
Potassium 60mg 2 %
Total Carbohydrates 17.3g 6 %
Dietary Fiber 0.1g < 1 %
Protein 2.4g 5 %
Sugars 14.2g
Vitamin A 4 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 6 %
Iron 4 %
Thiamin 5 %
Niacin 6 %
Vitamin B6 2 %
Magnesium 2 %
Folate 10 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.