Description
Delight in these delicate Japanese Crème Filled Sandwiches, featuring soft, fluffy milk bread filled with a smooth and creamy vanilla custard. Perfect for a light dessert or an elegant afternoon snack, these sandwiches combine the subtle sweetness of homemade crème pâtissière with the pillowy texture of classic shokupan bread.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 6 slices Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or soft white bread, crusts removed
For the Crème Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Combine custard ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a whisk or spatula to prevent curdling. Continue cooking until the custard thickens into a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Flavor and cool custard: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring a firm texture for folding.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Fold cream into custard: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture, combining them evenly without deflating the whipped cream to maintain a light texture.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spoon a generous dollop of the crème filling onto one slice of bread, then top with another slice. Press the edges gently to seal the filling inside or use a sandwich cutter to create neat edges.
- Chill (optional): For a firmer texture and ease of handling, chill the assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the tops of the sandwiches with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use Japanese milk bread (shokupan) for the best soft and fluffy texture, but any soft white bread will work.
- Ensure the custard is completely cooled before folding in the whipped cream to prevent melting.
- Chilling the sandwiches helps them hold their shape better and makes them easier to slice or handle.
- These sandwiches are best consumed the same day for freshness.
- For a variation, you can add fresh sliced fruits like strawberries or kiwi inside the sandwich along with the crème filling.
