Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard (Gluten-Free)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that balances crisp pastry, silky custard, and tender apples, Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard (Gluten-Free) is the answer. This French-inspired pastry, also known as a “Napoleon,” is traditionally made with layers of puff pastry and cream. Our gluten-free version keeps all the decadence without wheat, perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving elegance.

With its buttery layers, rich vanilla custard, and lightly caramelized apple slices, this dessert is ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or a luxurious weekend treat.

Ingredients

For the Gluten-Free Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets gluten-free puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

For the Vanilla Custard

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped

For the Apples

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

For Assembly

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gluten-Free Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the puff pastry sheets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
3. Optionally, sprinkle with 1 tbsp sugar for caramelization.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard

1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract or seeds. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Caramelize the Apples

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
2. Add apple slices and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Sprinkle cinnamon if using. Let cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Mille-Feuille

1. Cut puff pastry sheets into rectangles of equal size.
2. Place one rectangle on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chilled vanilla custard evenly.
3. Layer caramelized apple slices on top of the custard.
4. Place a second puff pastry rectangle over the apples, repeat with custard and apples if making a taller mille-feuille.
5. Top with a final puff pastry layer and dust generously with powdered sugar. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Step 5: Serve

• Slice carefully with a serrated knife to maintain layers.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Apple Mille-Feuille with Vanilla Custard (Gluten-Free)

Gluten-free French pastry with crisp layers, creamy vanilla custard, and caramelized apples. Elegant and easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French, Gluten-Free

Calories: 350

Ingredients

  

Gluten-Free Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets gluten-free puff pastry thawed
• 1 tbsp sugar optional

Vanilla Custard

• 2 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks large
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean

Apples

• 2 medium apples peeled, cored, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Serrated knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place puff pastry on parchment-lined baking sheet, prick with fork, sprinkle sugar. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan until simmering. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch. Temper yolks with hot milk. Return to pan, cook until thickened, whisk in butter and vanilla. Chill.
3. Melt butter in a skillet. Add sugar, cook until dissolved. Add apple slices and cinnamon. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly softened. Cool.
4. Cut puff pastry into rectangles. Layer puff pastry, custard, and caramelized apples. Repeat for desired height. Top with puff pastry and dust with powdered sugar.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Slice carefully with serrated knife.

Notes

For a taller mille-feuille, double the custard and apple layers. Gluten-free puff pastry should be handled cold for best flakiness.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Mille-Feuille

• Chill pastry sheets: Keep puff pastry cold until baking to achieve maximum flakiness.
• Temper eggs: Always add hot milk slowly to egg yolks to avoid curdling.
• Thin apple slices: This ensures apples cook evenly without breaking the layers.
• Assemble just before serving: Gluten-free puff pastry can soften if left too long.

Variations

1. Spiced Custard: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for warmth.
2. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel over the top layer for extra decadence.
3. Berry Mille-Feuille: Replace apples with thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries.
4. Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cornstarch or arrowroot for custard.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of hot tea or espresso.
• Serve at brunch for an elegant touch.
• Plate with a few fresh berries and mint for a visually stunning presentation.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

The term “mille-feuille” translates to “a thousand leaves,” describing the many delicate layers of puff pastry. Traditionally French, this dessert has variations across Europe. The Apple Mille-Feuille combines French technique with local seasonal fruit, making it a favorite in autumn and holiday celebrations. Using gluten-free pastry makes this classic treat accessible for more people without compromising texture or flavor.