A delicate and elegant dessert, Apple Mille Feuille is a stunning French-inspired treat that layers crispy puff pastry with silky vanilla custard and thin slices of tart apple. I love how this dessert balances texture and flavor—crisp, creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of tart. It looks fancy enough to impress guests but is surprisingly straightforward to make at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 medium apples (preferably tart like Granny Smith)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, I cut the pastry into 3 even strips.
I bake the pastry strips for 12–15 minutes, until they’re golden brown and puffed. Then I let them cool completely.
In a saucepan, I combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, and heat it over medium heat until it starts to steam.
While that heats, I whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch in a separate bowl.
Gradually, I pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to keep the eggs from scrambling.
I return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a custard.
Once thickened, I take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
I slice the apples into thin rounds and set them aside.
When the pastry strips are cool, I start layering: first a strip of pastry, then a layer of custard, followed by sliced apples.
I repeat the layering with the second pastry strip, more custard, and apples, and then top it all with the final pastry strip.
I finish it with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve it right away.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook, for a total of 40 minutes. Each serving has approximately 330 kcal.
Variations
Sometimes I like to change it up with different apple varieties—Honeycrisp gives a sweeter touch, while Pink Lady adds floral notes. I’ve also swapped the custard for whipped mascarpone for a richer version. For a fall twist, I sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the apple slices. If I want a little crunch, I add a handful of toasted almonds between the layers.
Storage/Reheating
I find Mille Feuille is best served fresh because the pastry can lose its crispness over time. But if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. I don’t recommend reheating, as it can make the pastry soggy. Instead, I enjoy it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith because they balance the sweetness of the custard, but any firm variety like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady also works well.
Can I make the custard in advance?
Yes, I often make the custard a day ahead. I store it in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Is it possible to use store-bought custard?
Absolutely. While I enjoy making it from scratch, a good-quality store-bought custard can save time and still taste great.
How do I keep the puff pastry crisp?
I make sure to cool it completely before layering and only assemble just before serving. This keeps it from absorbing too much moisture from the custard and apples.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, I’ve had success using gluten-free puff pastry and thickening the custard with arrowroot or gluten-free cornstarch.
Conclusion
This Apple Mille Feuille is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a fancy-feeling dessert with minimal effort. The crisp pastry, creamy vanilla custard, and fresh apple slices come together in a way that feels indulgent but not heavy. Whether for a special occasion or just because, it’s a dessert I love making again and again.
Recipe:
Print
Apple Mille Feuille
Elegant and easy to make, this Apple Mille Feuille layers flaky puff pastry with creamy vanilla custard and tart apple slices. A French-inspired dessert that’s both crisp and creamy, sweet and tangy—perfect for special occasions or a fancy treat at home.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 medium apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Roll out the puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Cut into 3 even strips.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed. Let cool completely.
-
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Heat over medium until steaming.
-
Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch in a separate bowl.
-
Slowly add hot cream mixture to yolks while whisking.
-
Return mixture to saucepan and cook on low, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
-
Slice apples thinly.
-
Assemble layers: puff pastry, custard, apple slices—repeat—top with final pastry layer.
-
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
Store-bought custard can be used for convenience.
Assembled dessert should be eaten fresh to retain crisp texture.
For extra flavor, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or toasted almonds.
Can be made gluten-free with appropriate puff pastry and cornstarch alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 330 kcal
