Skip to main content

Espresso Pastry Cream

3.8

(2)

This recipe is used to prepare <a></a>Espresso-Banana Napoleons .

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 1/4 cups

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch, sifted
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour milk into heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat and discard bean.

    Step 2

    Using electric mixer, beat yolks and both sugars in large bowl until very thick, about 3 minutes. Add cornstarch; blend well. Gradually whisk half of hot milk into egg mixture. Add mixture to pan; whisk over medium heat until thickened and boiling, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in espresso mixture. Transfer to medium bowl. Place plastic wrap directly onto surface of pastry cream; chill until cold, at least 3 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead; keep chilled.) Whisk pastry cream until smooth before using.

Read More
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
This isn’t competing with a brownie. It’s in a class of its own.
Fall dreams are made of this. Who are we to disagree?
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
The umami-packed pasta you'll be making all season long.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.