Vanilla Cream

Vanilla Cream

A lightly sweet vanilla cream, perfect for filling cakes, layering desserts, or spreading between pastries.
Shared notes will appear here.
Sauces & Spreads
International
Kitchen Pace : 🕒
Servings: 2 cups
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Bowl of smooth vanilla cream with visible vanilla specks and a spoon showing its silky texture.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp butter, about 15 g
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla powder, 1 packet, 9 g

Method:

Start Cooking
  • In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly so no lumps form.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
  • Once thick, remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until smooth.
  • Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely before using.
  • This cream becomes smooth, glossy, and spoonable, perfect for cakes, layered desserts, or filling pastries. Bon appétit.

Notes:

From the kitchen
  • Whisk constantly while cooking to keep the cream smooth and lump-free.
  • Cook until the mixture thickens and gently bubbles; this ensures the cornstarch is fully activated.
  • Cover the surface directly while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
  • For a lighter texture, once the cream has cooled slightly, gently fold in ½ cup whipped cream.
  • If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use 3 tbsp flour instead.
     
     
Make it yours
  • Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus note.
  • Stir in 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
  • Replace half the milk with coconut milk for a subtle coconut flavor.
  • Fold in ½ cup whipped cream for a lighter, mousse-like filling.
  • You can use 3 tbsp flour instead of cornstarch.
 
At the table
  • Use this cream to fill cakes, layer desserts, or spread between cake layers.
  • It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit, pastries, or simple sponge cakes for an easy dessert.
Your notes stay on this device for now. Log in to keep them with your account and access them anytime.

Nutrition:

Calories: 452 kcal | Carbohydrates: 69 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 126 mg | Sodium: 170 mg | Potassium: 400 mg | Fiber: 0.1 g | Sugar: 62 g | Vitamin A: 689 IU | Calcium: 315 mg | Iron: 0.5 mg
Share your plate
Mention @thenavakitchen or tag #thenavakitchen!

FROM THE PANTRY

Vanilla


WHY WE LOVE IT

Vanilla is often called the “queen of scents” for its warm, comforting aroma and soothing flavor. It works beautifully in cakes, custards, creams, and pastries.

A LITTLE STORY

Vanilla was first cultivated in Mexico and later introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, where it quickly became a prized ingredient in baking and desserts.

DID YOU KNOW?

Vanilla comes from an orchid and is the only orchid that produces an edible fruit. The flowers must be hand-pollinated, which makes vanilla one of the world’s most expensive spices. Today, most vanilla is grown in Madagascar.

Leave a note

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Around the table