Vanilla Slice Recipe

Name: Vanilla Slice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 56 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: Premade Puff Pastry; Caster Sugar; 2 tablespoons cornflour; 2 tablespoons custard powder; 4 cups (1 litre) milk; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened; Egg Yolks; Vanilla Essence; 1 1/2 cups (150g) icing sugar; Passion Fruit Pulp; Water (as needed to reach desired consistency)

Indulge in the nostalgic taste of a classic New Zealand Vanilla Slice! This recipe, unearthed from a cherished family cookbook, recreates the beloved bakery treat you've been missing. Flaky pastry layers cradle a luscious, creamy vanilla custard, all topped with a tangy passionfruit icing. Transport yourself back to childhood with every bite – perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 36 mins

Calories 750.8 kcal

Protein 20g

Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Vanilla Slice

Premade Puff Pastry
Caster Sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour
2 tablespoons custard powder
4 cups (1 litre) milk
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
Egg Yolks
Vanilla Essence
1 1/2 cups (150g) icing sugar
Passion Fruit Pulp
Water (as needed to reach desired consistency)

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How to Make Vanilla Slice

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a 23cm square baking pan with foil, allowing the foil to overhang the sides.
Place pastry sheets on lightly greased baking trays. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely.
Gently flatten each pastry sheet with your hands.
Fit one pastry sheet into the prepared pan.
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornflour, and custard powder.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens.
Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes, or until very thick and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
Pour the hot custard over the pastry in the pan.
Top with the remaining pastry sheet, flat side up. Press down gently.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to set.
**Prepare the Passionfruit Icing:** In a heatproof bowl, sift icing sugar. Add softened butter, passionfruit pulp and juice. Gradually add water, mixing until you have a stiff, spreadable paste. If necessary, gently warm the icing over a pan of simmering water until it reaches desired consistency.
Spread the passionfruit icing evenly over the top of the vanilla slice.
Cut into squares and serve. Best served chilled. Store leftover slices covered in the refrigerator (do not freeze or microwave).