Craig Claiborne's Pastry Cream

Updated Oct. 12, 2023

Total Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(27)
Comments
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Ingredients

Yield:3 cups
  • cups milk
  • ½cup heavy cream
  • 4egg yolks
  • ½cup sugar
  • 3tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2tablespoons Grand Marnier
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

224 calories; 12 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 24 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 20 grams sugars; 4 grams protein; 36 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend 1 cup of the milk and the cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    As mixture is heating, put egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until pale yellow. Add cornstarch to yolk mixture and beat well. Add remaining ½ cup milk and beat until blended.

  3. Step 3

    When milk and cream are at a boil, remove from heat. Add yolk mixture, beating rapidly with a wire whisk.

  4. Step 4

    Return to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly with the whisk. When thickened and boiling, remove from heat and add Grand Marnier. Let cool, stirring occasionally.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
27 user ratings
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Comments

Great basic recipe.. easy and quick for a nice dessert tart. I added some vanilla as well as the Grand Marnier.

Oh, and I substituted a chunk of star anise for the Grand Mariner.

I made more of this than needed, and put a glass container full in the freezer. After letting it thaw again in the fridge, it had separated only a moderate amount into watery and globs, so I put it on medium heat and stirred frequently or constantly with a balloon whisk. Turned out fine and creamy again. Might try reheating in two batches if I had more than a couple of cups.

Great basic recipe.. easy and quick for a nice dessert tart. I added some vanilla as well as the Grand Marnier.

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