Classic Queen Vanilla Slice Recipe | Queen Fine Foods (2024)

FAQs

Why did my vanilla slice not set? ›

To ensure your vanilla slice sets properly, be sure to boil the custard for at least a minute, stirring constantly. Set in the fridge for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing.

Not to be confused with a Custard Slice either!

A vanilla slice is usually a very thick slab of custard sandwiched between two thin puff sheets. A mille feuille is more decorative, could have multiple custard (or diplomat cream) layers and looks very sophisticated.

Custard slice or vanilla slice is best eaten the day it's made because the custard will soften the puff pastry quickly. However, you can keep vanilla slice for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

To successfully slice this without squashing the custard from the middle, use a small, sharp knife and cut through only the top layer of pastry, marking out 10 even-sized slices.

Using a Thickening Agent

Add the mixture into your custard ingredients as they cook on the stove. Use cornstarch as an alternative to flour. Cornstarch, like flour, requires cold water as a mixing agent. For 1 cup (240 mL) of custard, use 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of cold water.

As the vanilla extract sits, it will get darker. You want the beans to soak in the alcohol for at least 2 months before using it. The flavor will only get better with time. Make up several batches of vanilla extract at once so you never have to wait for a batch to brew.

In America, the same three-layer design is called a Napoleon, a corruption of Napoletana, referencing the origin of another version from Naples.

A rose by any other name

Replacing the plain English name (vanilla slice, custard block) with an irreverent and outrageous moniker (“snot block” or “phlegm sandwich”) is standard practice in Australia, where informality and a lack of pretence are hallmarks of the vernacular.

Mille-feuille (pronounced meel-foy) is a type of French pastry that is otherwise known as vanilla or custard slice. It is made from layers of thin puff pastry that is alternated with a cream filling and topped with a ganache.

Tip: If you're missing Lattice biscuits (like us), then turn. to SAO biscuits or Julie's Sugar Crackers. They're a. great alternative!

Why does vanilla extract go bad? ›

Does Real Vanilla Extract Go Bad? Pure vanilla extract (the kind made with real vanilla beans and at least 35 percent alcohol) has an indefinite shelf life. unless it's been stored improperly.

To make rounds, steady what you're cutting and make sure your fingers are tucked under. Rest the knife against your knuckles, walk your fingers back and slice with a continuous motion. The thickness is determined by how far back you move your fingers between slices. To make half-moons, slice in half lengthwise.

Your Bread Was Not Kneaded Enough. Kneading mixes the dough's ingredients and creates a good gluten structure for the bread. It is one of the trickiest parts of learning to bake bread because it's hard to tell if you've kneaded too much or not enough. Bread that is under-kneaded will have more crumbs.

Often also called Vanilla Slice in Australia, Custard square is two layers of puff pastry, surrounding a creamy, smooth custard. The whole thing is then topped off with a vanilla bean icing. It's a New Zealand Classic, and something I always used to get from the bakery growing up.

One way to combat a custard that will not set is to reboil it. If you thought your custard was thickening up, and then refrigerated it to let it set, only to find that it had thinned out, simply pour the custard base back into a pot and cook it more (via Crafty Baking).

Don't heat it too quickly.

Don't be afraid of increasing the heat if it's not thickening. I once spent half an hour waiting for it to do nothing. You should only need 2-3 minutes for pouring custard, 4-5 minutes for thick custard at the right heat. BUT, if the custard cooks too quickly it will clump and be lumpy.

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options.

Runny pastry cream most often comes from undercooking the egg yolk mixture. If you remove it from the heat too soon, the amylase in the egg yolks won't break down and will prevent the cream from fully setting. If you find your crème pâtissière is too thin, return to heat and bring to a boil over medium heat to thicken.