Mille-Feuille (Napoleon) Recipe: Flaky, Creamy & Elegant

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  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Prick all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar and place another baking sheet on top to keep it flat.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and crispy.
  6. Let cool completely, then cut into three equal-sized rectangles.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

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

Step 3: Assemble the Mille-Feuille

  1. Place one pastry layer on a serving plate and spread half the pastry cream over it.
  2. Repeat with the second layer and remaining pastry cream.
  3. Top with the third pastry layer.

Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional)

  1. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth, then spread over the top layer.
  2. Drizzle melted chocolate and use a toothpick to create a marble pattern.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy the flaky, creamy perfection!

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife to slice neatly.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep pastry crispy.

Variants & Customizations

  • Fruit Napoleon – Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between layers.
  • Chocolate Version – Mix melted chocolate into the pastry cream.
  • Coffee-Flavored – Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the cream.
  • Caramel Drizzle – Top with caramel sauce instead of glaze.

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought custard instead of making pastry cream?
✔️ Yes! But homemade pastry cream is richer and more flavorful.

2. How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
✔️ Assemble just before serving or brush pastry layers with melted chocolate to seal them.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
✔️ Yes! Bake the pastry and prepare the cream ahead, then assemble before serving.

4. What’s the best way to cut Mille-Feuille cleanly?
✔️ Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing the layers.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
✔️ Yes! Use gluten-free puff pastry and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder.

Final Thoughts

This Mille-Feuille (Napoleon) is a show-stopping, flaky, creamy, and elegant dessert that’s easier than it looks! Whether you go for classic vanilla, fruit-filled, or chocolate variations, this pastry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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