Easy vegan custard puff pastry Napoleon made with rich coconut and cashew milk, vanilla extract and thickened up with tapioca and cornstarch. Dairy-free and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
Defrost the puff pastry according to the instructions on the box, usually 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
1 sheet vegan puff pastry (9x9)
Preheat your oven to 400”F.
Roll out the pastry sheet on a parchment lined cookie sheet, pierce with a fork and cut it in half lengthwise.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
Make the Custard
In a medium sauce pan over medium flame whisk together the cashew and coconut milk, maple syrup, tapioca and cornstarch (you can use all tapioca or all cornstarch, I prefer to mix the two for a creamier texture that also sets really well, however either one works). Bring to a simmer and continue whisking for a good 5 to 10 minutes on medium-low flame until the custard has thickened. Whisk in the vanilla extract or seeds and allow to cool off, it will continue to thicken as it cools. (If you wish to give your custard a more yellowish tone make sure to whisk in the turmeric as well. Start with 1/8 tsp and up to 1/4 tsp so you don't overdo it. It won’t affect the flavor just the color).
1 cup cashew milk, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 3 tsp vanilla extract, 2 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp tapioca starch, 1/8 - 1/4 tsp turmeric
Assemble the Napoleons
Carefully separate the top and bottom part of the puff pastry, it should easily come apart. Place the bottom parts in a small baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Spread the vanilla custard on top and cover with the top layer of puff pastry.
Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set. Use a serrated knife and cut into 10 rectangles or 8 squares to your liking. Dust with powder sugar and serve!
2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Notes
COLOR - If using turmeric make sure to start with a tiny pinch 1/8 teaspoon and work your way up to 1/4 teaspoon. The more turmeric the more golden yellow your custard will become.
TEXTURE - Some people don't like the texture of tapioca, if you are those people please use all cornstarch instead. I find that mixing the two will yield a nice creaminess without it being gelatinous and also sets really well. Experiment here to find your favorite texture as food textures can be very personal.
Coffee - for a coffee flavored custard simply whisk 2 Tbsp of instant coffee with all the milks at the start.
NOTE WORTHY: to quickly chill your custard transfer it to a heat proof container and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until set while you bake the pastry.