Description
This Gluten-Free Apple Mille-Feuille is a delightful layered pastry dessert featuring crispy gluten-free puff pastry, tender caramelized apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a smooth, rich vanilla custard. Perfect for a special occasion or an elegant treat, this recipe combines classic French technique with a gluten-free twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Vanilla Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Gluten-Free Pastry Layers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the gluten-free puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into even rectangles about 2 x 4 inches. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Cook the mixture until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Vanilla Custard: Heat the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the custard thickens. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and allow it to cool.
- Assemble the Mille-Feuille: On a serving plate, place one baked pastry layer. Spread a spoonful of the cooled vanilla custard over the pastry, then top with a layer of caramelized apples. Add another pastry layer on top, spread custard again, and finish with the final pastry layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust the top pastry layer with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel sauce to your liking. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling out to avoid cracking.
- You can prepare the custard and apple filling in advance and refrigerate them, but assemble the mille-feuille just before serving to maintain crispness.
- For a vegan version, substitute the custard with a plant-based cream custard and use vegan puff pastry.
- Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and flavor.
- If you prefer, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top with powdered sugar for added aroma.
