Easy Cherry Vanilla Custard Pastries with Puff Pastry – Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly

The most irresistible, easy, cherry, and dreamy vanilla custard pastries made with flaky puff pastry!

These flaky, golden puff pastries are filled with a rich vanilla custard and juicy cherries, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with frozen or fresh cherries and creamy homemade pastry cream, they’re easy to assemble and perfect for making ahead or freezing. A classic European-style sweet with a modern twist.

I love baking sweet treats like this because it makes the house smell good, I save money, and homemade with love tastes way better than store-bought.  I’ve made this custard so many times on my channel, and I always make a double batch because I can use what I need for the pastries, and we can snack on the rest. Cherries are in season, so I used them this time, but your favorite berries would be a good substitute as well. No matter what, the combination of puff pastry, custard, and fruit will always be a hit!  

Why will these pastries be a hit?

Soft, buttery, flaky,

Slightly crunchy, golden puff pastry,

Silky, luxurious, rich,

Creamy vanilla custard,

Juicy, sweet cherries.

What do I need to make these pastries?

Puff pastry -I buy mine in large sheets at the restaurant supply store because I can make so many things with them. The sheets are 10×15 inches / 340g each. So, I thaw them, and I cut them into 5-inch squares when I’m ready to assemble the pastries.

Cherries -I used frozen cherries that I thawed in my video, but you can use fresh cherries that you’ve pitted. Use sweet cherries for a milder flavor or sour cherries for a bright, tangy contrast to the custard. You can actually use any fruit you like here, but we love using berries, too. I slice strawberries, but use the whole berry when using raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.  

Heavy cream -this is separate from the custard cream to brush over the puff pastry to brown.

Granulated sugar -if you want to add a little crunchy sweetness to the pastry, sprinkle the sugar over the pastry after brushing it with the cream.

Confectioners’ sugar -for garnish

What do I need for the custard?

Whole milk -is thick enough to keep the custard creamy, but it also adds good moisture.

Cornstarch -you don’t need a lot, just enough to add to the silkiness of the custard.

Granulated sugar -You can use less sugar if you prefer your custard to be a little less sweet. A trick I’ve learned to prevent milk from scorching while heating is to add sugar to it. That’s why my recipe splits the sugar while making the cream.

Pinch of salt -that’s all you need, just to balance out the sweetness while enhancing the flavor of the custard.

Egg yolks -remember when I said dreamy… this is what creates it. These are crucial to the overall smoothness, luxurious texture, and thick creaminess.

Heavy cream -adds richness and creates a thick, smooth, decadent creamy texture.

Pure vanilla extract -use a good quality extract since this adds the sweet, caramel-like flavor to the custard.

Unsalted butter -cubed to melt into the custard and create a smooth, luscious texture, and add butteriness.

How do I make custard?

In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, cornstarch, sugar, and salt until smooth. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Gradually pour the yolks into the saucepan while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and cubed butter until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap that touches the surface, and chill it completely.

How do I assemble the cherry cream puff pastries?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut each puff pastry sheet into 5-inch squares. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large open star or round tip with the chilled custard. Pipe a thick line diagonally across each square from corner to corner. Top the cream line with pitted cherries. Fold the two opposing corners over the filling to overlap and seal. Place the pastries on the baking sheets. Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle the tops lightly with granulated sugar.

How long do I bake the pastries?

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Can I prepare these ahead of time and freeze them?

The custard can be made up to 2 days in advance, and you can freeze assembled pastries to always have on hand. Assemble the pastries and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Do you have more puff pastry treats?

Baklava Cinnamon Rolls in Puff Pastry

Almond Croissant Puff Pastries

Apple Turnovers in Puff Pastry

Easy Puff Pastry Danishes

Cherry Cheesecake Turnovers

Watch the Video: