Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a bakery-style dessert at home, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe. It’s everything you love about a classic vanilla slice—creamy custard, flaky puff pastry, and that sweet pink icing on top—all made simple enough to whip up any day of the week. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and I’m excited to share all my tips with you so you can nail it right the first time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe is in the simplicity of its ingredients. They come together perfectly to create that creamy custard and crisp puff layers, with just a touch of sweetness from the icing. When shopping, opt for good-quality puff pastry that’s well chilled—it really makes the difference in flakiness.

• Puff pastry sheets: Use thawed puff pastry to get those perfect flaky layers—fresh or frozen works fine, just make sure it’s completely thawed before baking.
• Custard powder: This gives the custard that signature vanilla flavor and smooth texture without needing to cook eggs.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use 2% if you want to lighten things up.
• Caster sugar: It dissolves quickly in the custard, ensuring your slice isn’t grainy at all.
• Icing sugar mixture: The base for that glossy pink topping—sift it well to avoid lumps.
• Water: Just enough to thin the icing so it spreads easily but sets firmly.
• Pink food coloring (optional): Just a drop or two creates that classic bakery pink shade—totally optional but fun!

Variations

I love that with an Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe there’s so much room to play around, depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. I sometimes switch up the icing color or add textures to keep things interesting.

• Chocolate topping: I’ve swapped the pink icing for melted dark chocolate drizzle once—and it was a hit! It adds a rich contrast to the creamy custard.
• Gluten-free base: If you’re avoiding gluten, try a gluten-free puff pastry or a crisp almond flour crust instead, which works surprisingly well.
• Dairy-free custard: Use a plant-based milk and check for dairy-free custard powder to adapt for lactose intolerance.
• Fruit layering: A thin layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the puff pastry and custard adds freshness and color.

How to Make Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Puff Pastry Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). While it heats, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Prick them all over with a fork to stop them puffing up excessively while baking. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until beautifully golden and crisp. I learned the hard way that a fork-pricked pastry stops those big air pockets and keeps it flat enough to layer your custard perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard

While the pastry cools, it’s time for the star of the show—the custard. In a saucepan, whisk together the custard powder and caster sugar with about half the milk until completely smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk and place the pan over medium heat. Keep whisking constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. It’s tempting to leave the whisk aside, but trust me—constant stirring keeps your custard silky and lump-free. Then, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Place one puff pastry sheet on your serving tray (a bit of greaseproof paper underneath helps with transfer later). Pour the custard evenly over this base and smooth it out with a spatula. Then, carefully top with the second puff pastry sheet. I find using a large offset spatula makes smoothing custard so much easier and more even.

Step 4: Prepare the Pink Icing and Finish

For that iconic pink icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl and gradually add 50 to 75 grams of water, mixing until you get a thick but spreadable glaze. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring if you want that classic bakery look—and you definitely do. Spread the icing gently over the top puff pastry layer and let it set for at least an hour in the fridge before slicing. This resting time is key—it helps the icing firm up and makes cutting neat slices so much easier.

How to Serve Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I usually keep it simple—just a neat dusting of extra icing sugar or a few fresh berries on the plate for a pop of color. Sometimes I try a light sprinkle of desiccated coconut to bring in a subtle texture contrast. Honestly, the slice is so rich and flavorful on its own, you don’t want to overshadow it.

Side Dishes

This custard slice pairs beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. For a special brunch, I like to serve it alongside some fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve trimmed each slice into small bite-sized squares and served them on pretty platters with toothpicks—guests love the mini versions! Another fun idea I tried was layering the vanilla custard slice inside a clear glass trifle bowl with fresh berries and whipped cream for a deconstructed twist that looks stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The slice keeps well for up to 3 days—the custard stays creamy and the puff pastry retains some crunch if you wrap it properly. Just avoid storing it longer or the pastry will soften too much.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze custard slices because the texture of puff pastry and custard can change unfavorably. However, if you really want to, try freezing the baked pastry layers separately before assembling, then freshen the custard and assemble on the day you want to serve it.

Reheating

This custard slice is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t generally recommended. If you bake the pastry separately for freezing, you can reheat the pastry layers gently in the oven to crisp them back up before assembling the slice.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Vanilla Custard Slice Recipe has been a game changer in my kitchen—it’s a no-fail way to bring that beloved bakery magic home. Every time I serve it, people ask if I bought it from the shops! I promise, once you try making it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this deliciously creamy, flaky, and sweet vanilla slice with your family and friends—you’ll be so glad you did.

Print