Napoleon in a glass is a wonderful, lazy version of the classic French dessert. Instead of baking a large cake, you assemble the flaky pastry and creamy custard right inside individual glasses. It looks beautiful and tastes just like the traditional recipe but requires much less effort.
Cooking Time and Servings
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to create this simple dessert.
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1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
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2 cups of whole milk
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4 large egg yolks
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0.5 cup of granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons of cornstarch
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1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
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0.25 cup of powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Napoleon in a Glass
Follow these clear steps to build your individual desserts.
Step 1: Bake the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Prick the pastry all over with a fork so it does not rise too much. Bake for fifteen minutes until it is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch together until the mixture becomes smooth and pale yellow.
Step 3: Heat the Milk
Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil completely.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Slowly pour half of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly so the eggs do not cook. Pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard becomes thick like pudding.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts and the custard is completely smooth. Pour the custard into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap pressing directly onto the surface, and let it cool.
Step 6: Assemble the Glasses
Crush the cooled puff pastry into small pieces using your hands. Grab four serving glasses. Place a spoonful of pastry crumbs at the bottom of each glass, follow with a layer of cooled custard, and repeat until the glasses are full. Finish with a layer of pastry crumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Important Recipe Notes
Pro Tip: For an extra special touch, you can add a layer of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the custard and pastry layers.
If you want to save time, you can use store bought vanilla pudding or store bought puff pastry biscuits instead of making custard from scratch.
It is best to assemble these desserts close to the time you want to serve them. If they sit in the fridge for too long, the pastry crumbs will absorb moisture from the custard and lose their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes you can make the custard up to two days in advance. Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the glasses.
Why did my custard turn out lumpy?
Lumps happen if the heat is too high or if you do not stir constantly. If your custard has lumps, you can push it through a fine mesh strainer to make it smooth again.
Can I use whipped cream instead of custard?
You can use whipped cream or mix whipped cream into your custard to make a lighter filling often called diplomat cream.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutritional breakdown for one individual serving glass.
Nutrition Table per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Sodium | 140 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 gram |
| Total Sugars | 28 grams |
| Protein | 7 grams |
Disclaimer
Please enjoy this sweet dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This recipe contains common allergens including wheat, dairy, and eggs. Always check with your guests regarding food allergies before serving.