Vanilla Slice | Community Recipes | Nigella's Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Who makes the best vanilla slice? ›

North End Bakehouse in Shepparton made history when they were awarded the two top prizes at Baking Association of Australia's (BAA) Baking Show on February 24. “They are now the official bakery that's has The Australia's Best Hot Cross Bun and The Australia's Best Vanilla Slice for 2024,” BAA stated.

Not to be confused with a Custard Slice either!

A vanilla slice is usually a very thick slab of custard sandwiched between two thin puff sheets. A mille feuille is more decorative, could have multiple custard (or diplomat cream) layers and looks very sophisticated.

If you're cutting smaller slices, the custard is more likely to be squashed out, so use a small serrated knife. Cut with a sawing motion with the knife pointing down, slicing through the pastry without pressing downwards on it. Even better if you have an electric knife!

This is the second year in a row that North End Bakehouse has taken home the gold for the country's best vanilla slice. And while the bakery missed out on a prize for its traditional hot cross buns last year after winning in 2021 and 2022, it returned to form with a vengeance this year.

The Great Vanilla Slice Triumph began in Ouyen in 1998 after then-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett claimed the vanilla slice from the town's Mallee Bakery was the best he'd ever tasted.

'thousand-sheets'), also known by the names Napoleon in North America, vanilla slice in the United Kingdom, and custard slice, is a French dessert made of puff pastry layered with pastry cream. Its modern form was influenced by improvements made by Marie-Antoine Carême.

Replacing the plain English name (vanilla slice, custard block) with an irreverent and outrageous moniker (“snot block” or “phlegm sandwich”) is standard practice in Australia, where informality and a lack of pretence are hallmarks of the vernacular.

Mille-feuille (pronounced meel-foy) is a type of French pastry that is otherwise known as vanilla or custard slice. It is made from layers of thin puff pastry that is alternated with a cream filling and topped with a ganache.

Replacing the plain English name (vanilla slice, custard block) with an irreverent and outrageous moniker ("snot block" or "phlegm sandwich") is standard practice in Australia, where informality and a lack of pretence are hallmarks of the vernacular.

Sandwich creamy vanilla custard between two layers of crisp puff pastry in these golden slices. A luxurious patisserie addition to an afternoon tea.

What is the difference between a vanilla slice and a mille feuille? ›

A vanilla slice is usually a very thick slab of custard sandwiched between two thin puff sheets. A mille feuille is more decorative, could have multiple custard (or diplomat cream) layers and looks very sophisticated. It is one of the simplest things you can make with a puff sheet, yet looks so elegant!

Julie's Sugar Crackers

These biscuits have a similar texture to the Lattice biscuit, and they're sprinkled with sugar crystals, too. It holds its shape so you can make a slice with it, but it does have a salty flavour, so it's more of a savoury biscuit.

-As I mentioned, don't cut your slice until it has chilled in your fridge at least overnight and fully set. If it's not set, you will not be able to cut your slice cleanly. -Find your sharpest and largest serrated knife to cut your slice. I use a @wusthofaustralia serrated bread knife for this.

Custard slice or vanilla slice is best eaten the day it's made because the custard will soften the puff pastry quickly. However, you can keep vanilla slice for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Madagascar is known for producing the highest quality vanilla. Not only is the aroma intense, the flavor profile goes well in food dishes, brewing or for beer, desserts, vanilla extract, and many other possibilities. Most recognize the Madagascar vanilla is the most popular due to these traits.

Chef's notes: Tahitian Pure Vanilla is a favorite of pastry chefs. Chefs recommend using it only in dishes that will not be exposed to high heat, in order to retain its delicate flavor.

Costco's Pure Vanilla is beloved by bakers

Writing for The Kitchn, she explains that the Costco brand bottle of fragrant essence is among the best commercially available vanilla extracts, and moreover, it is incredibly affordable.