Italian Crema Pasticcera: Timeless Pastry Cream

Name: Italian Crema Pasticcera: Timeless Pastry Cream
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2cup Whole Milk; 2cup Whipping Cream; 1.5cup Sugar (Granulated); 4 Egg (Medium Yellow); 0.5cup Cornstarch; 1 Vanilla; 1pinch Salt

Create the perfect Italian Crema Pasticcera—creamy, aromatic, and the ideal companion for your favorite desserts.
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Anna Bubbi:

I have to confess: I took Mamablip's advice and ate some straight out of the bowl, and it was delicious! Almost as good as when I filled some cream...

read all reviews...

Crema Pasticcera is an essential cornerstone of Italian pastry, beloved for its smooth texture and delicate vanilla flavor. This versatile custard is a staple in countless desserts, from light and airy cakes to decadent tarts and filled pastries. Whether you prefer it nestled within a Schiacciata alla Fiorentina, layered in a classic Italian Chocolate Sponge Cake, or enriching the festive Mimosa Cake in honor of International Women's Day, this cream elevates every treat it graces.

A testament to Italy's culinary artistry, pastry cream is renowned for its simplicity and adaptability. With just a handful of quality ingredients and a bit of patience for stirring, you’ll master a filling that rivals any bakery. Chill thoroughly to achieve the ideal consistency for spreading or piping into cakes, pies, crostatas, or even Italian doughnuts.

Customize your custard by blending in your favorite chocolate—dark, milk, or white—for a rich twist on the traditional recipe. This makes the cream endlessly adaptable and sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. It's no wonder that every Italian nonna has her own treasured version!

If you appreciate the elegance of this classic cream, explore other Italian dessert recipes for further inspiration. Your friends and family will be delighted by your new creations.

Pair your desserts with expertly chosen wines by browsing the Mamablip dessert wine collection and discover unforgettable flavor combinations.

For weekly tips, recipe ideas, and culinary stories from Italy, subscribe to the Mamablip newsletter and take your homemade desserts to the next level!

Preparation

for 4 servings

Makes enough to fill one classic sponge cake divided into 2 layers.

Step

Of 3

Infuse Milk with Vanilla Aroma

Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the fragrant seeds.

Scrape out the seeds with the tip of a knife and add both seeds and pod to a small saucepan containing the milk and heavy cream.

Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot but not boiling. Remove from the heat to allow the vanilla to infuse fully into the dairy mixture.

Step

Of 3

Mix Eggs and Sugar, Then Thicken

In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy—this helps achieve a silky custard.

Sift in the cornstarch and a pinch of salt, folding the mixture with a spatula until perfectly blended.

Once the milk and cream are infused and have slightly cooled, strain the mixture into the egg base to remove the vanilla pod and any solids. Stir gently until smooth.

Return everything to the saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring constantly, for about 7 minutes or until the cream thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Take care not to let it boil, or the eggs may curdle.

Step

Of 3

Chill the Custard and Prepare for Use

Once your pastry cream has thickened and is just warm, transfer it to a clean glass bowl or individual containers.

Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming—a professional touch for the smoothest results.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cooled. Once set, your Crema Pasticcera is ready to be piped, spread, or spooned into your favorite Italian desserts.

Expert tip: For a luscious chocolate pastry cream, finely chop about 200g (7 oz) of your preferred chocolate and stir it into the hot custard just before chilling. This creates a decadent variation beloved in Italian patisseries.

Reviews

Anna Bubbi Friday 12th of March 2021

Quick and creamy!

I have to confess: I took Mamablip's advice and ate some straight out of the bowl, and it was delicious! Almost as good as when I filled some cream pasticiotti with the cream. So quick and rich, you'd never think I got it all done in under 30 minutes cooking time. The best cream recipe yet!

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Italian Crema Pasticcera: Timeless Pastry Cream

Create the perfect Italian Crema Pasticcera—creamy, aromatic, and the ideal companion for your favorite desserts.
Add to favourites

60 total time (min)

25 cooking time (min.)

7 ingredients

449 kCal

3 steps to complete the preparation

Ingredients

Makes enough to fill one classic sponge cake divided into 2 layers.

Classic Italian Pastry Cream ingredients

Preparation