8 Tips for Making Pastry Cream

The pastry cream is an essential ingredient in baking, as it is ideal for filling cakes, tarts, donuts, sweet bread, and more, since it is versatile and easy to prepare. According to experts, it is believed that pastry cream was created in France or Italy during the 17th century, which is why it is not surprising that it is used in the preparation of classic French desserts such as éclairs and mille-feuille. As you know, pastry cream has a thick consistency and it is most common to prepare it with vanilla flavor, but there are also chocolate-flavored versions or with a touch of nutmeg, orange or lemon zest. Although it is easy to prepare, it is important to pay close attention throughout the process and follow chef Yamilette González's tips to the letter, you won't regret it!You can also read: 4 different types of sugar and how to use them How to make pastry cream step by stepIf you want to prepare delicious tarts, cakes, and breads filled with rich pastry cream, then all you need to do is follow these tips to the letter. 1. Yamilette González, the chef coordinator at kiwilimón, explains that when making pastry cream, it is essential to consider that the ratio is always 500 ml of milk for 50 grams of cornstarch, 4 yolks, and 100 grams of sugar; these amounts will be the key to making the best pastry cream! 2. The chef also recommends flavoring the milk from the beginning and mentions that you can use a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, or lemon or orange zest, as these ingredients will enhance the flavors. Additionally, to give an extra flavor to the pastry cream, you can add nut extract, pistachio extract, or even orange blossom extract if you want to fill a pan de muerto. 3. Chef Yamilette indicates that before adding the yolks, it is necessary to temper them, meaning you should add a little hot milk to the yolks and then whisk vigorously to bring them to a similar temperature as the hot milk, so the temperature shock is not so abrupt. 4. Once you add the yolks, add the cornstarch that has been previously dissolved in approximately 50 ml of water. 5. Remember that it is important to constantly stir the pastry cream with a whisk to avoid lumps from forming. 6. It is recommended to cook the pastry cream over medium heat, as it can easily burn if left on high heat. 7. Once the cream begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and place it in a bowl, covering it with cling film, but remember that it should touch the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. 8. We recommend preparing the pastry cream a day before using it or keeping it refrigerated for a minimum of 4 hours before use.You can also read: How to use your mixer attachments?Pastry cream recipeAs you know, at kiwilimón we have the best recipes, including the pastry cream recipe, so get to work and learn how to make pastry cream easily; it will be the ideal filling for all kinds of cakes and tarts! Ingredients 4 egg yolks100 g of sugar1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract1/2 cup of cornstarch2 cups of whole milkInstructions 1. Mix the egg yolks and sugar with a whisk until the color of the yolks lightens a bit. 2. Add the vanilla extract and cornstarch, incorporating with constant movements until the lumps are dissolved. 3. Heat the milk in a saucepan, but do not let it boil. Once it has reached the desired temperature, pour a little milk into the yolk mixture without removing the milk from the heat, but be careful not to let it boil. 4. Stir the pastry cream to prevent the egg from cooking and to reach the correct temperature. 5. Pour the yolk mixture into the milk and keep on medium heat, stirring constantly until the pastry cream thickens. 6. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, ensuring no air touches it, and then cool for 30 minutes. You can also read: What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?Recipes with pastry creamNow that you know how to make pastry cream, get excited to prepare these amazing dessert recipes for cravings or to start your business; you will love them!Fruit Tart with Pastry CreamNo-Bake Pastry Cream CakeMango Cake with Pastry CreamMille-Feuille Filled with Pastry CreamChocolate Cake Filled with Pastry CreamPuff Pastry Cones Filled with Pastry CreamFair Bread with Pastry CreamApple Puff Pastry with Pastry CreamChocolate Egg with Pastry Cream