Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard

Name: Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 sheets of puff pastry; 1 egg (for egg wash); 2 cups whole milk; 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 medium apples (sliced thinly); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Cinnamon (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with this stunning Apple Mille Feuille layered with velvety vanilla custard. Flaky pastry sheets interspersed with sweet apple slices create a delightful contrast, while the creamy custard adds a luxurious touch. This enchanting dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished tradition at your holiday gatherings.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2025-11-12T11:30:48.645Z

Apple Mille Feuille is a classic French pastry that showcases the beauty of layers, combining textures and flavors that are sure to delight every palate. This recipe invites you to create a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions.

A Classic Dessert with a Twist

Mille Feuille, which translates to 'thousand layers' in French, is a beloved pastry that has charmed food lovers for generations. Traditionally made with alternating layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, this version incorporates the fresh flavor of apples, adding a seasonal twist perfect for autumn gatherings. The crispy, flaky texture of the pastry complements the smooth, rich vanilla custard, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

This Apple Mille Feuille is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The contrasting layers of golden pastry, creamy custard, and vibrant apple slices make it a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner, this enchanting dessert will undoubtedly draw attention and admiration from your guests. It's an appealing way to celebrate the bounties of fall with an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Mille Feuille

To achieve the best results with your Apple Mille Feuille, start by ensuring that your puff pastry is well chilled before baking. This is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. If you prefer a more pronounced apple flavor, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile. The balance between the sugary custard and the tartness of the apples can elevate your dessert to new heights.

Make sure to layer your ingredients thoughtfully. The order of components is important—not only for aesthetics but also for ensuring that each bite contains a little bit of everything. Don’t rush the chilling process after assembling your mille feuille. Allowing it to set properly in the refrigerator will help the layers meld together and make slicing much easier. This extra step is worth the wait and results in a tidier presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this beautiful dessert:

For the pastry

3 sheets of puff pastry
1 egg (for egg wash)

For the vanilla custard

2 cups whole milk
1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the apples

4 medium apples (sliced thinly)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cinnamon (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Apple Mille Feuille:

Prepare the pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into rectangles. Place them on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Make the custard

In a saucepan, combine the milk and vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, then return to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter.

Prepare the apples

In a skillet, melt butter and add sliced apples. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cook until apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add cinnamon if desired.

Assemble the mille feuille

Layer baked puff pastry, vanilla custard, and sautéed apples. Repeat layers and finish with pastry on top. Chill before serving.

Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Why You Should Make This

Apple Mille Feuille with Vanilla Custard is more than just a dessert; it's an experience that brings family and friends together during the holiday season. In every slice, you'll find the care and love that went into preparing it. This dish exemplifies the joy of baking and sharing, making it ideal for Thanksgiving celebrations or any special occasion.

Additionally, the combination of textures and flavors in this recipe encourages creativity in the kitchen. You can tweak the recipe to match personal tastes, making it a versatile choice for your fall dessert repertoire. From the flaky pastry to the luscious custard and tender apple slices, each component plays a vital role in creating a memorable dish.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in a dessert like Apple Mille Feuille, it's good to be mindful of its nutritional content. This recipe contains wholesome ingredients such as wholesome apples and eggs, providing vitamins and minerals. The delightful layers of the pastry and custard do mean it’s on the richer side, but in moderation, this dessert can fit nicely into a balanced diet during the festive season.

To make a lighter version, consider using less sugar or substituting some of the butter in the custard with Greek yogurt for added creaminess without the excess fat. These small adjustments can help you enjoy this delicious treat without compromising on flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers after the holiday rush, rest assured that Apple Mille Feuille can be stored for a few days. Keep it in the refrigerator, covered to maintain moisture and prevent it from becoming soggy. It's best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, simply reheat individual portions in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Do note that while the components can be stored, the texture of the puff pastry may change slightly over time. For optimal fresh texture, consider baking the puff pastry ahead of time and storing the custard and apples separately, assembling the layers just before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, store-bought custard can be used for convenience.

→ How do I store leftover mille feuille?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.