The Key to the Ideal Pastry Cream

1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

• In a medium saucepan, combine half of the granulated sugar (1/4 cup) with the whole milk.
• If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the vanilla bean pod to the milk mixture. If using vanilla extract, add it later.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the remaining granulated sugar (1/4 cup), and the cornstarch until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Temper the Eggs:

• Once the milk mixture is heated, slowly pour about one-third of it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This gradual addition raises the temperature of the eggs without cooking them too quickly (which could lead to curdling).

4. Combine and Heat:

• Return the tempered egg mixture along with the remaining hot milk to the saucepan. Place it back over medium heat.
• Whisk continuously as you heat the mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 2-3 minutes after it reaches a boil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked through.

5. Finish the Pastry Cream:

• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately whisk in the finely chopped butter and vanilla extract (if not using a vanilla bean).

6. Strain and Chill:

• To achieve a smooth texture, strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This step removes any lumps or bits of cooked egg.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming.
• Chill the pastry cream in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold. This chilling process allows the flavors to meld and the cream to thicken further.

Tips for Perfect Pastry Cream:

• Vanilla Selection: Using a vanilla bean provides the richest flavor, but high-quality vanilla extract is a convenient alternative.
• Consistency: Stirring continuously during heating prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture.
• Chilling: Proper chilling is crucial for the pastry cream to set properly. It should be cold before using it as a filling.

Enjoy Your Crème Pâtissière
Once chilled, your pastry cream is ready to use in a variety of delicious desserts. Whether filling pastries or layering in cakes, its velvety consistency and vanilla-infused flavor will delight your taste buds and elevate your baking to new heights. Mastering this classic French custard opens the door to endless dessert possibilities, ensuring every creation is as decadent as it is delightful.