Rich pastry cream

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Step-by-step preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Add the hot milk to the egg mixture little by little, whisking constantly so the yolks don’t cook.
4. Once all the milk is added, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens into a smooth cream.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until well combined.
6. Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
7. Transfer the pastry cream to an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before using.