There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing up a delicious pastry. But what do you do with all of that leftover pastry cream? Here are some quick ideas of mine to help you use it up. Whether you’re looking for a dessert, breakfast, or snack option, these recipes will help you put that leftover pastry cream to good use. Enjoy!
1. Use the pastry cream to make a cake
Making a cake from the leftover cream is a great way to turn it into something new and exciting.
To do this, you need the pastry cream to be thicker, so leave it in the fridge overnight.
Once it has reached a consistency that is not too thick and not too thin, take out about 1/2 cup of the cream for your cake recipe.
2. Stuffed pancakes with fruit sauce
Stuffed pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The first thing you need to do is make your favorite pancake recipe.
Take one pancake, put some cream into the middle of it, then top with another pancake.
Cook until both sides are browned and serve with fresh fruit sauce or your favorite syrup.
3. Use it as a dip for fruit
Your leftover makes the perfect dipping sauce for fresh fruit.
All you need to do is put it in a bowl and use it as a dip.
I suggest using cut-up pieces of strawberries, bananas, kiwis, or oranges.
4. Make ice cream sandwiches with leftover pastry cream
This one doesn’t require any baking at all. You can use your pastry cream as a filling between two pieces of regular sandwich bread.
Then, place the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer so you can eat them later. Put it in between two slices of bread for a sandwich
If you’re anything like me and love a good sandwich, then why not try making an ice cream sandwich? Take two pieces of regular sandwich bread and spread the cream on one piece.
Top it with another slice of bread and seal in some plastic wrap so that it doesn’t get messy. Place it in the freezer at least overnight or for up to two weeks so that it can harden.
To eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
5. Make it into french toast
This is an interesting way to use the remaining cream if you’re looking for something sweet but not too heavy for breakfast.
All you need to do is take slices of bread (I recommend using challah or brioche) and soak them in a mix of milk and pastry cream.
Fry the bread in some butter on both sides until lightly browned and crispy, and serve with warm maple syrup. Add some fruit or jam for breakfast
Some of the most delicious french toast I’ve ever had is my mom’s made with cinnamon challah bread, pastry cream, and fruit.
All you need to do is dip the bread in the mixture of milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and the cream then fry it until both sides are browned.
6. Make an ice cream sundae
Ice cream sundaes are always a delicious way to end a meal.
You can make one out of the leftover by putting it in the bottom of a bowl, adding some sliced fruit on top (I like peaches or strawberries), and then topping with your favorite ice cream.
Sprinkle some crushed shortbread cookies on top for texture, and enjoy.
7. Add it to the batter for crêpes
If you make crêpes regularly, then you know that there is usually leftover pastry cream in the fridge at the end of breakfast or brunch.
Try adding some of that leftovers to your crepe batter instead of just eating them plain. Serve it on top of waffles or pancakes
If you love having a sweet breakfast, then you’ll love this one. Just make your favorite pancake or waffle recipe and top with leftover pastry cream.
Add some fresh fruit on top for added flavor.
8. Mix it with milk and cocoa powder for a hot chocolate topping
If you love a good hot chocolate, then try making one with your leftover cream instead of regular milk.
Just add some cocoa powder and sugar to the leftover pastry cream until it’s sweet enough for your taste, and use that as a topping over your favorite hot chocolate recipe.
9. Whip up some buttercream frosting
You can whip up leftover pastry cream to use as a buttercream frosting when you need one for a cake or cupcakes.
All you have to do is add some powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and your favorite food coloring if you want it any color other than white.
10. Make a milkshake
If you love milkshakes or malts then you’ll love this one.
All you have to do is add some of the cream and vanilla ice cream into a blender with some milk, and blend until smooth.
If it’s not sweet enough for your taste, add in some powdered sugar and enjoy.
FAQ
How do I store leftover pastry cream?
If you are not going to use it within 24 hours, then it is best to store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will last for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover pastry cream?
Yes, you can freeze it by placing it in an airtight container and putting it in the freezer for up to two months.
What can I make with leftover pastry cream?
You can use it in many different ways, depending on your tastes. Some examples include french toast, waffles or pancakes, ice cream sundaes, fruit, breakfast foods like eggs and bacon, whipping up a buttercream frosting for cakes or cupcakes, making a hot chocolate topping by adding cocoa powder and sugar to it, and more.
Can I use leftover pastry cream as a substitute for regular cream?
Yes, you can. Just put it in a bowl and add some powdered sugar to it until it’s sweet enough for your taste. Use that as a substitute in any regular recipe that calls for heavy whipping cream or just spread it on something like toast.
How do I keep leftover pastry cream from curdling?
You should make sure that it does not sit out for too long, especially in hot weather or if you are putting it on a dish that will be served cold. Also, make sure to stir it well before using it in any dish.
How long is leftover pastry cream good for?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks if you do not put it into dishes that will be served cold, like crêpes or ice cream sundaes. If you are planning on using it in a warm dish, then you should wait to make the pastry cream until the last minute.
Conclusion
There are many delicious ways to enjoy leftover pastry cream, so don’t worry about just eating it plain.
Try one of these ideas and you’re sure to be happy with the results.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.