Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard (Gluten-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert has it all: layers of caramelized apples that melt in your mouth, a luscious vanilla custard, and a crispy texture that creates a wonderful contrast. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s suitable for a variety of diets. The rich, comforting flavors of vanilla and apple come together in a way that will wow your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something special, this dessert is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the caramel:

• 150 g granulated sugar

For the apple mille-feuille:

• 2 kg apples (Fuji, Royal Gala, or Pink Lady)
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the vanilla custard:

• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 600 ml milk (whole, skimmed, lactose-free, or vegetable)
• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla pod: open it lengthwise, remove the seeds, and add them along with the pod to the pot to flavor the milk. Alternatively, use 1 tsp of vanilla extract or essence.)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the caramel:

1. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally as the sugar melts, turning a golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Once the sugar has fully melted and has turned a deep amber color, remove from the heat. Set it aside to cool slightly.

For the apple mille-feuille:

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside.
2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the 150g of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and forms a golden caramel.
3. Add the sliced apples to the pan and toss them in the caramel. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the apples have softened and are lightly caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of water, then stir it into the caramelized apples. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and set aside.

For the vanilla custard:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. If using a vanilla pod, add the pod and seeds to the milk, and if using vanilla bean paste or extract, add it directly to the milk.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard. This should take about 5 minutes.
5. Once thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a bowl. If you used a vanilla pod, remove the pod from the custard.

Assembling the Mille-Feuille:

1. Once all the components are ready, begin layering the apple mixture, custard, and additional apple slices in individual serving glasses or a large dish, just like assembling a mille-feuille.
2. Start with a layer of caramelized apples, followed by a layer of vanilla custard. Continue layering until you’ve used all your ingredients.
3. Let the assembled dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1.5-2 hours (including chilling time)

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert can be served chilled, and there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any apple variety that holds its shape well during cooking. Fuji, Royal Gala, and Pink Lady apples are perfect for their sweetness and firmness, but you can experiment with others like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare the layers in advance and chill the assembled dessert for a few hours or overnight before serving.

3. Is this dessert suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk. Make sure to check that the vanilla custard thickens properly with the alternative milk you choose.

4. Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramel in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to use, warm it up slightly to make it easier to work with.

5. Can I add nuts to this dessert?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, between the layers for some extra texture and flavor.

6. Can I use a store-bought custard instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought custard if you want to save time. Just ensure it’s thick and smooth, and adjust the flavor if needed with a bit of vanilla extract.

7. Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it doesn’t use any wheat flour. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

8. Can I serve this dessert warm?

This dessert is best served chilled, as the custard firms up and the flavors develop when it’s cold. However, you can serve it slightly warm if preferred.

9. How do I make the custard without eggs?

If you need an egg-free version, you can make a vegan custard by substituting the egg yolks with a cornstarch-based egg replacer or a silken tofu mixture. Adjust the recipe accordingly.

10. Can I freeze this dessert?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled dessert, as the custard and apples may change texture. However, you can freeze the individual components (like the caramelized apples and custard) and assemble the dessert once they’ve thawed.

Conclusion

The Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich creaminess of homemade custard. Gluten-free and full of flavor, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Its layers of apple, custard, and caramel create a harmonious balance that’s simply irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this dessert will surely become a favorite!

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