Recipes

Custard-Filled Sweet Vol-Au-Vents Desserts

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Custard-Filled Vol-Au-Vents are a super-delicious variation on classic puff pastry baskets filled with mousse and savory creams. A must-have for special occasions, like birthday parties or holiday buffets, they’re perfect added to a tray of mini pastries at the end of a meal or for snack time.

We got pre-packaged vol-au-vents, easily found in most well-stocked grocery stores, and after dusting them with a little powdered sugar, we filled them with a luxurious vanilla custard and garnished them with a whole raspberry: a refined and surprising result that will leave your guests speechless.

⭐ Custard-Filled Sweet Vol-Au-Vents

Crispy, creamy, and irresistible — a classic French-style dessert anyone can make!

Vol-au-vents are light, puff-pastry shells that you can fill with sweet or savory fillings. This dessert version uses silky homemade custard and a dusting of powdered sugar. They look fancy but are incredibly simple!

🧈 Ingredients

For the Vol-Au-Vents

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Custard Filling (Crème Pâtissière)

  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 vanilla bean
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, adds shine & richness)

Optional toppings:

  • Fresh berries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Melted chocolate drizzle
  • Caramel sauce

🥣 Instructions

STEP 1 — Make the Puff Pastry Vol-Au-Vent Shells

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly to even thickness.
  3. Using a round cookie cutter (or a glass), cut out 12 circles.
  4. In half of the circles, cut a smaller hole in the center to create rings.
  5. Place the solid circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Brush them with egg wash.
  7. Place the pastry rings on top of each base to create a raised “cup.”
  8. Brush the tops lightly with egg wash.
  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden.
  10. Let cool completely.

STEP 2 — Make the Custard

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk + vanilla until warm (do NOT boil).
  2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks + sugar until pale.
  3. Add cornstarch and mix until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
  5. Return mixture to the saucepan.
  6. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and creamy.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in butter (optional).
  8. Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface) and let cool.

STEP 3 — Assemble the Desserts

  1. Transfer custard to a piping bag (or use a spoon).
  2. Fill each vol-au-vent generously with custard.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar.
  4. Add optional toppings like berries or chocolate.

🍰 Tips for Success

  • Make sure vol-au-vents cool completely before adding custard.
  • Custard can be flavored with lemon zest, chocolate, coffee, or pistachio.
  • Store filled pastries in the fridge for up to 24 hours (best eaten fresh).
  • Unfilled vol-au-vents can be kept in an airtight container for 3 days.

❤️ Perfect For:

  • Tea parties
  • Holidays
  • Birthdays
  • Elegant dessert trays
  • Special breakfasts

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