Delicate Mille-Feuille (Napoleon)

Savor the elegance of a classic French dessert with this Delicate Mille-Feuille recipe, also known as Napoleon. This exquisite treat features flaky layers of puff pastry paired with luscious pastry cream, creating a delightful blend of textures. Perfect for any occasion, it can be customized with various fillings and toppings. Discover how to create this timeless pastry that brings joy to every bite. #MilleFeuille #Napoleon #FrenchDessert #Baking #PastryArt #HomemadeDelight

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Ingredients

1 package (17.3 oz) of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 large egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out each sheet of puff pastry to fit your baking sheet, if needed. Place the sheets on the prepared baking sheet, prick with a fork, and cover with another sheet of parchment paper. This prevents the pastry from puffing too much. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Make the Pastry Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat on medium until just simmering.

Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the hot milk mixture slowly into the egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press wrap onto the surface to prevent a skin), and chill until cold, about 2 hours.

Assemble the Mille-Feuille: Once the puff pastry is cooled and the pastry cream is chilled, take one sheet of the pastry and cut it into three equal rectangles. Spread a generous layer of pastry cream on top. Place a second layer of puff pastry on top, press gently, and repeat with more cream. Finally, finish with a third layer of pastry.

Decorate: Sift confectioners' sugar over the top of the final pastry layer. For a decorative touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate or create patterns with a toothpick.

Chill and Serve: Let the assembled mille-feuille chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to meld and set. Slice with a sharp knife and serve with fresh berries and chocolate shavings if desired.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling) | Servings: 6-8