Quick and Easy Red Currant Cream Pastries with Vanilla Pudding

Indulge in the perfect balance of textures and flavours with these quick and easy pastries, with redcurrant custard and vanilla pudding. These delicious pastries combine the crispness of puff pastry with the creaminess of homemade vanilla pudding and the tartness of fresh redcurrants. Perfect for a sweet treat or a sophisticated dessert, these pastries will impress with their simplicity and elegance.

Why you'll love this: You’ll love these pastries for their ease of preparation and the delicious contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy puff pastry serves as the perfect base for the rich and creamy vanilla pudding, while the red currants add a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness of the dessert. This recipe is perfect when you need a quick but impressive treat, and the individual pastries make them easy to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, these pastries are simple to make and deliver delicious results every time.

Perfect opportunity: These red currant custard pastries are perfect for any occasion, from informal gatherings to formal celebrations. Serve them at brunch, tea party or as a delicious after-dinner dessert. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make them ideal for special events like baby showers, bridal showers or holiday parties. They also make a wonderful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea on a cozy afternoon at home.

Decorating tips: For an extra touch of elegance, lightly dust the pastries with icing sugar just before serving. You can also add a few whole redcurrants on top of the icing sugar for a pop of colour. If you want to enhance the presentation even further, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves. These simple decorations will make your pastries even more appetising and delicious.

Ingredients to collect:

• 250 ml of milk
• 1 roll of ready-made puff pastry (about 250-300 g)
• 50 g sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 25 g cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200 g fresh redcurrants, washed and hulled
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• Icing sugar (for dusting)

1. Preheat and prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) with top and bottom heat.
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the vanilla pudding:
   • In a small saucepan, heat 250ml of milk until almost boiling.
   • In a separate bowl, mix 50g sugar, 3 egg yolks and 25g cornstarch until smooth.
   • Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
3. Thicken the pudding:
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens.
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and let pudding cool to room temperature.
4. Prepare the puff pastry:
   • Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal squares.
   • Place a tablespoon of cooled vanilla pudding in the center of each dough square.
   • Add a few red currants on top of the pudding in each square.

5. Shaping the pastries:
   • Fold the corners of each square of dough towards the center and press gently to secure.
   • Beat 1 egg and brush it over the pastries to give them a golden finish once baked.

6. Bake the pastries:
   • Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
   • Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

7. Finish and serve:
   • Once cooled, lightly dust the pastries with icing sugar before serving.

Appreciate These delicious vanilla and redcurrant puff pastries are a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of crispy pastry, creamy vanilla pudding and tangy redcurrants makes for an irresistible dessert, perfect for any occasion!