Mille-Feuille

Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, is a classic French pastry made of delicate, flaky puff pastry layers filled with rich, creamy pastry cream. Topped with whipped cream, crushed pastry flakes, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a refined treat for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic French Elegance – A timeless dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
• Crispy & Creamy Texture – The contrast between crisp pastry and silky pastry cream is irresistible.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated – Easy to make using store-bought puff pastry while maintaining a gourmet feel.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for celebrations, afternoon tea, or a refined dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be assembled in advance and refrigerated before serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pastry Layers:

• 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets (thawed)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Assembly & Garnish:

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (whipped)
• ½ cup crushed pastry flakes (for coating)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Bake the Puff Pastry:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Prick the pastry sheets all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5. Once cooled, cut the pastry into equal rectangular or square pieces for layering.

Make the Pastry Cream:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter. Let cool completely before using.

Assemble the Mille-Feuille:

1. Place one layer of baked puff pastry on a serving plate.
2. Spread an even layer of pastry cream over the pastry, then add another layer of puff pastry. Repeat until all layers are used.
3. Cover the top with a thin layer of whipped cream and gently press crushed pastry flakes onto the sides.

Garnish & Serve:

1. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before slicing and serving.
3. Enjoy this elegant French dessert!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Mille-Feuille: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or mix cocoa powder into the pastry cream.
• Fruit-Filled: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the layers for a fruity twist.
• Almond Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for extra texture.
• Coffee-Flavored Cream: Replace some of the milk with brewed espresso for a coffee-infused filling.
• Glazed Top: Instead of powdered sugar, top with a classic white glaze with chocolate feathering for a bakery-style look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the pastry may lose its crispness.
• Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve the pastry texture.

FAQs

What is Mille-Feuille?

Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, is a French pastry made of layered puff pastry and pastry cream, typically dusted with powdered sugar or decorated with glaze.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Mille-Feuille tastes best when made a few hours ahead and chilled before serving.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure the pastry layers are fully cooled before assembling, and avoid adding too much filling.

Can I use store-bought pastry cream?

Yes, but homemade pastry cream provides the best flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw it before rolling and baking.

How do I get clean slices when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to maintain neat layers.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced, but you can adjust the sugar in the pastry cream to your preference.

Can I use whipped cream instead of pastry cream?

Whipped cream can be used but will be lighter and less stable than pastry cream.

Can I add a different flavor to the pastry cream?

Yes! Try adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or flavored extracts for a unique twist.

What should I serve with Mille-Feuille?

It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.

Conclusion

Mille-Feuille (Classic Napoleon Pastry) is a timeless French dessert that combines crisp, flaky pastry with rich, velvety pastry cream. Elegant yet surprisingly simple to make, this treat is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious homemade pastry. Try different flavors and toppings to make it your own!