How long can I store leftovers?

Mille-feuille can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it is best enjoyed fresh due to the pastry's tendency to soften.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cream and ganache in advance, but assemble closer to serving time.

What can I use for a gluten-free version?

Substitute with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the dough.

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely, but it will result in a sweeter finish, so adjust sugar as needed.

Is it possible to freeze the components?

The dough can be frozen, but thaw it completely in the fridge before rolling. Avoid freezing assembled mille-feuille.

Sumptuous French Chocolate Mille-Feuille

Name: Sumptuous French Chocolate Mille-Feuille
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, sifted; Salt; Unsalted butter, cold and cubed; Ice water; Whole milk; Granulated sugar; Cocoa powder; Large egg yolks; Cornstarch; Unsalted butter; Vanilla extract; Heavy cream; Dark chocolate, finely chopped; Powdered sugar for dusting; Dark chocolate for shaving

Decadent Layers of Chocolate and Pastry Perfection

The classic mille-feuille with a chocolate twist, featuring flaky puff pastry layers filled with rich chocolate pastry cream.

4 h 20 min
8
Advanced

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry

All-purpose flour, sifted

2 ½ cups

Salt

1 tsp

Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 cup

Ice water

2/3 cup

For the Chocolate Pastry Cream

Whole milk

2 cups

Granulated sugar

½ cup

Cocoa powder

¼ cup

Large egg yolks

Cornstarch

3 tbsp

Unsalted butter

1 tbsp

Vanilla extract

1 tsp

For the Chocolate Ganache

Heavy cream

½ cup

Dark chocolate, finely chopped

4 oz

For Assembly

Powdered sugar for dusting

2 tbsp

Dark chocolate for shaving

1 oz

Preparation

Making the Puff Pastry

Combine flour and salt

Combine flour and salt in a bowl.

Cut in the butter

Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Form dough and chill

Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Ensure the dough is well-chilled for easier rolling.

Preparing the Chocolate Pastry Cream

Heat milk and cocoa

Heat milk, sugar, and cocoa in a saucepan until steaming.

Whisk egg mixture

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with cornstarch, then slowly add hot milk mixture.

Cook and chill

Return to saucepan, cook until thick, then stir in butter and vanilla. Chill thoroughly.

Ensure the pastry cream is fully cooled before assembly.

Cooking Process

Roll and fold the dough

Roll and fold the dough several times to create layers, chilling between folds.

Chill the dough between folds to ensure optimal flakiness.

Bake the pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F; bake pastry squares until golden, about 20 minutes.

Assemble the mille-feuille

Layer puff pastry with chocolate pastry cream and top with chocolate ganache.

Plating & Serving