Ingredients and Weight:
- All-purpose flour: 120g (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar: 120g (1 cup)
- Cornstarch: 30g (1/4 cup)
- Kosher salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Heavy cream: 480ml (2 cups)
- Milk: 120ml (1/2 cup)
- Egg yolks: 4 large
- Lemon juice: 120ml (1/2 cup)
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
- Unsalted butter: 113g (1/2 cup), softened
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Bring the cream mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the simmering cream mixture until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until the pastry cream has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the softened butter until smooth and glossy.
- Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before using.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Total fat: 15g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
Dish Characteristics:
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Tangy lemon flavor
- Versatile filling for pastries, tarts, and cakes
User Comments:
- "This pastry cream is so delicious! The lemon flavor is perfect and it's not too sweet."
- "I used this pastry cream to fill a lemon meringue pie and it was a huge hit!"
- "The recipe is easy to follow and the pastry cream turned out perfectly."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure the cream mixture is simmering before adding the dry ingredients, otherwise the pastry cream may curdle.
- Stir the pastry cream constantly while cooking to prevent burning or curdling.
- Strain the pastry cream to remove any lumps.
- Refrigerate the pastry cream for at least 4 hours before using to allow it to set and thicken.
