Vanilla Custard Cherry Slice

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Vanilla Custard Cherry Slice

This dessert has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s made with flaky layers of golden puff pastry, velvety vanilla custard, and a sweet-tart cherry fruit layer that ties everything together perfectly. The moment it hits the table, I can guarantee there will be no leftovers. My husband always sneaks back for seconds, and even my picky little one asked for it again by name (a rare win!).

What I love most is that it looks like something from a bakery window, but it’s actually so simple to make. It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or just a random Tuesday when you want to treat your family. And while I won’t claim it’s the best custard slice in the world—let’s just say I haven’t found a better one yet.

Trust me, one bite of this, and you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent place in our dessert rotation.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use store-bought custard instead of making it from scratch?
Yes! While homemade custard has a richer flavor, a good-quality store-bought version works in a pinch—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.

What kind of cherries should I use?
You can use canned cherry pie filling, frozen cherries (thawed and cooked down), or make your own quick cherry compote. I prefer slightly tart cherries to balance the sweetness.

Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it sets even better when chilled overnight, making it perfect for prepping a day in advance.

How do I keep the puff pastry crisp?
Bake it until golden and cool it completely before layering. Also, assemble just before chilling so it doesn’t get soggy.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Not really—custard doesn’t freeze well and the texture can turn grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What You Need to Make Vanilla Custard Cherry Slice

Ingredients:

2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)

3 cups whole milk

3 egg yolks

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups cherry compote or cherry pie filling

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Equipment:

9×9 inch square baking dish or pan

Medium saucepan

Whisk

Mixing bowl

Offset spatula (optional, but helpful)

Fine mesh sieve (for dusting)

How to Make Vanilla Custard Cherry Slice

Bake the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place puff pastry sheets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pierce them all over with a fork and place another sheet of parchment and a baking tray on top to prevent puffing. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

Make the Custard:
In a medium saucepan, heat milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and sugar. Slowly pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return everything to the pot and cook over medium heat, whisking, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter. Cool slightly.

Assemble the Slice:
Line your square pan with parchment. Place one sheet of puff pastry on the bottom. Spread the custard evenly over the pastry, then gently spoon the cherry compote on top of the custard layer.

Top and Chill:
Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Press gently. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Serve:
Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice with a sharp knife for clean edges and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Custard Cherry Slice

Use full-fat milk for a richer custard and creamier texture.

Don’t skip chilling—this step is essential to help the layers set properly.

Cut with a serrated knife to avoid crushing the pastry.

Make it your own by swapping cherries for raspberries, strawberries, or even lemon curd.

If you’re short on time, prepare the custard a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was heavenly! I made it for Sunday dinner and my family devoured it. Will be making again next weekend!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights! The custard was dreamy. Next time I’ll add a bit of lemon zest to the cherry layer for extra zing.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tastes like something straight out of a bakery. It’s deceptively simple—thank you for such a lovely recipe!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good overall, but my puff pastry got a little soft after chilling overnight. I think I’ll assemble closer to serving next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “WOW. I brought this to a school potluck and everyone asked for the recipe. A new family favorite for sure!”

Printable Recipe

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