Vanilla Slice | Community Recipes | Nigella's Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Who makes the best vanilla slice? ›

North End Bakehouse in Shepparton made history when they were awarded the two top prizes at Baking Association of Australia's (BAA) Baking Show on February 24. “They are now the official bakery that's has The Australia's Best Hot Cross Bun and The Australia's Best Vanilla Slice for 2024,” BAA stated.

Not to be confused with a Custard Slice either!

A vanilla slice is usually a very thick slab of custard sandwiched between two thin puff sheets. A mille feuille is more decorative, could have multiple custard (or diplomat cream) layers and looks very sophisticated.

'thousand-sheets'), also known by the names Napoleon in North America, vanilla slice in the United Kingdom, and custard slice, is a French dessert made of puff pastry layered with pastry cream. Its modern form was influenced by improvements made by Marie-Antoine Carême.

Vanilla slice is a pastry comprising a thick layer of vanilla custard sandwiched between puff pastry and topped with icing sugar or thinly iced.

Madagascar is known for producing the highest quality vanilla. Not only is the aroma intense, the flavor profile goes well in food dishes, brewing or for beer, desserts, vanilla extract, and many other possibilities. Most recognize the Madagascar vanilla is the most popular due to these traits.

Replacing the plain English name (vanilla slice, custard block) with an irreverent and outrageous moniker (“snot block” or “phlegm sandwich”) is standard practice in Australia, where informality and a lack of pretence are hallmarks of the vernacular.

Julie's Sugar Crackers

These biscuits have a similar texture to the Lattice biscuit, and they're sprinkled with sugar crystals, too. It holds its shape so you can make a slice with it, but it does have a salty flavour, so it's more of a savoury biscuit.

Mille-feuille (pronounced meel-foy) is a type of French pastry that is otherwise known as vanilla or custard slice. It is made from layers of thin puff pastry that is alternated with a cream filling and topped with a ganache.

In NSW, try Gumnut Patisserie in Mittagong (gumnutpatisserie.com.au), which does a classically French, three-layered vanilla slice. Plenty of countries have developed their own version of the mille-feuille. In Belgium and the Netherlands, the "tompouce" has only two layers of pastry and a thick dollop of whipped cream.

Although its origins are somewhat disputed, its name is derived from Napoleon Bonaparte, who was said to have enjoyed the pastry during his reign as Emperor of France.

What is the difference between a vanilla slice and a mille feuille? ›

A vanilla slice is usually a very thick slab of custard sandwiched between two thin puff sheets. A mille feuille is more decorative, could have multiple custard (or diplomat cream) layers and looks very sophisticated. It is one of the simplest things you can make with a puff sheet, yet looks so elegant!

Cutting the slice - for best results, leave the slice in the fridge overnight and cut whilst still in the tin. Storing - vanilla custard slice can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, however the pastry layers will soften the longer the slice is in the fridge. Freezing - this slice is not suitable for freezing.

Custard slice or vanilla slice is best eaten the day it's made because the custard will soften the puff pastry quickly. However, you can keep vanilla slice for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Grade A Vanilla Beans are considered the best. They are primarily grown in Peru and Madagascar, but also in other parts of South America, Africa and India. The beans are harvested when they're just right—not too ripe or too green. Grade B Vanilla Beans are less expensive than Grade A beans—but you get what you pay for.

If you want the purest, most intense vanilla flavor in your recipes, use whole vanilla beans rather than extract. The best-quality beans come from Mexico, Madagascar, and Indonesia. If you have a choice at the market, choose beans that are plump and pliable.

Chef's notes: Tahitian Pure Vanilla is a favorite of pastry chefs. Chefs recommend using it only in dishes that will not be exposed to high heat, in order to retain its delicate flavor.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a top-notch vanilla extract that not only comes in a generous size but is also made from the finest natural ingredients, look no further. McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract is a must-have for anyone who values exceptional flavor in their culinary creations.