A classic French pastry, Mille-Feuille features delicate layers of golden, flaky puff pastry and velvety vanilla pastry cream, crowned with whipped cream, candied fruit, lime zest, and an elegant edible flower. A refined dessert perfect for special occasions or sophisticated gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mille-Feuille, also known as Napoleon, offers a beautiful balance of texture and flavor—crisp pastry, smooth custard, and light cream, all assembled with artistic flair. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delightful experience for the palate. With a few classic ingredients and a bit of finesse, you can create a patisserie-style treat in your own kitchen.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Puff Pastry Layers:
- puff pastry
- powdered sugar
For the Pastry Cream:
- whole milk
- granulated sugar
- egg yolks
- cornstarch
- vanilla extract
- unsalted butter
For Topping:
- whipped cream
- diced candied pineapple or mango
- lime zest
- edible flowers (orchid recommended)
directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small rectangles, approximately 3 x 1.5 inches.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick each piece with a fork to prevent excessive puffing and dust with powdered sugar.
- Cover with another sheet of parchment and place a second baking sheet on top to weigh them down.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely.
- To prepare the pastry cream, heat the milk in a saucepan until it begins to steam.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let cool completely, then transfer to a piping bag.
- Assemble the dessert by piping pastry cream onto one puff pastry layer. Top with another layer, add more cream, and place a final pastry piece on top.
- Pipe small dollops of whipped cream on top. Garnish with diced candied fruit, lime zest, and an edible flower.
- Serve chilled.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: 390 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Glaze: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate to the top pastry layer for a richer finish.
- Berry Topping: Replace candied fruit with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast.
- Coffee Cream: Infuse the pastry cream with espresso powder for a mocha version.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds between layers for added texture.
- Mini Mille-Feuille: Make bite-sized versions for elegant tea parties or dessert platters.
storage/reheating
Assembled Mille-Feuille is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The pastry layers will gradually soften due to the cream, but it will still be flavorful. Pastry cream can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 2 days. Do not freeze assembled pastries.
FAQs
What does “Mille-Feuille” mean?
“Mille-Feuille” translates to “a thousand leaves,” referring to the many thin layers of puff pastry in the dessert.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, high-quality store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works well for this recipe.
How do I keep the pastry layers from puffing too much?
Prick the pastry with a fork and weigh it down with a second baking sheet during baking.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
You can prepare the pastry cream and bake the pastry ahead, but assemble shortly before serving for best texture.
What type of cream is used for topping?
Use lightly sweetened whipped cream. For extra stability, chill the cream before whipping.
Is there a difference between Mille-Feuille and Napoleon?
They are essentially the same, though “Napoleon” is a term more commonly used in English-speaking countries.
How do I cut Mille-Feuille without crushing it?
Use a serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion. Chilling the dessert beforehand also helps.
Can I add other flavorings to the cream?
Yes, you can infuse the cream with citrus zest, spices, or flavored extracts.
Are edible flowers safe to eat?
Yes, as long as they are labeled edible and sourced from reputable suppliers. Orchids, violets, and pansies are common choices.
What can I serve with Mille-Feuille?
It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.
Conclusion
Mille-Feuille is a timeless French dessert that combines elegance with indulgence. With its layers of crisp pastry, luscious vanilla cream, and delicate garnishes, it offers both visual appeal and irresistible flavor. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a luxurious personal treat, Mille-Feuille is always a showstopper.
Mille-Feuille
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French pastry featuring layers of golden, flaky puff pastry and silky vanilla pastry cream, topped with whipped cream, candied fruit, lime zest, and a delicate edible flower — an elegant and refined dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 2 tbsp diced candied pineapple or mango
- Zest of 1 lime
- Edible flowers (orchid recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles (about 3×1.5 inches). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Prick with a fork and dust with powdered sugar. Place another baking sheet on top to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
- For pastry cream, heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour in hot milk while whisking.
- Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Let cool completely.
- Transfer pastry cream to a piping bag. Pipe onto one layer of puff pastry, top with another pastry layer, and repeat. Finish with a third layer on top.
- Pipe small dollops of whipped cream and decorate with candied fruit and lime zest.
- Garnish the plate with an edible flower and serve chilled.
Notes
- Chill pastry cream fully before assembling to prevent melting.
- Use a serrated knife to cut through layers neatly without squishing the filling.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 1 day before serving for best texture.
- Customize with different candied fruits or zest for seasonal variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
