Easy Vanilla Slice
Bring back the sweet memories of your local bakery with this Easy Vanilla Slice.
If you've ever stood in front of the bakery display case trying to resist a Vanilla Slice, you're certainly not alone. With its flaky layers of golden puff pastry, creamy vanilla custard filling and signature pink icing sprinkled with coconut, it's one of Australia's most iconic sweet treats.
This easy homemade version captures everything we love about the classic bakery favourite, but without any complicated custard-making. Using a simple instant vanilla dessert mix, the filling comes together in minutes to create a smooth, creamy centre sandwiched between crisp layers of puff pastry.
Made with everyday ingredients and minimal effort, it's the perfect treat for family gatherings, morning tea, afternoon tea or whenever you're craving a little taste of nostalgia. It's the kind of recipe that always disappears quickly and brings back memories of stopping at the local bakery for a special treat.
If nostalgic desserts are your thing, you might also enjoy my Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding. Rich, fudgy and packed with chocolate flavour, it's another old-fashioned favourite that's always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
❤️ Easy shortcut version of a classic bakery favourite
❤️ Uses simple supermarket ingredients
❤️ No complicated custard making required
❤️ Perfect for morning tea or afternoon tea
❤️ Great for parties and celebrations
❤️ Can be made a day ahead of time
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate bakery-style experience.
This Vanilla Slice is perfect for:
Morning tea
Afternoon tea
Baby showers
Birthday parties
Mother's Day celebrations
Family gatherings
Dessert platters
Top Tips
Allow the pastry to cool completely before assembling.
Use a serrated knife when slicing the pastry layers.
Chill the slice before serving.
Add hot water gradually to the icing until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Vanilla Slice ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it's often even better after chilling for a few hours as the filling firms up and the flavours develop.
Can I freeze Vanilla Slice?
Freezing is not recommended as the custard filling can change texture once thawed.
Can I use homemade custard instead?
Absolutely. If you prefer, you can substitute the instant dessert filling with your favourite homemade vanilla custard recipe. You will need to ensure the custard is quite thick, not runny.
Why is my icing too thick?
Add extra hot water, one teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Easy Vanilla Slice
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Egg
- 1 x 100g Cottees Instant Vanilla Flavoured Dessert Mix
- 300ml thickened cream
- 150ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup icing mixture
- 30-50g unsalted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons boiling hot water
- Pink food colouring
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven 200ºC and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place the pastry on a chopping board and cut into 6 even rectangles. Place rectangles onto the lined baking tray.
- Lightly whisk the egg in a small dish and brush over each of the rectangles. Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
- Pour the pudding mix, cream, milk and vanilla into a bowl and using electric beaters or a stand mixer, mix on low speed to combine, then high speed until thick and creamy.
- Prepare the icing by mixing all ingredients (minus the coconut) into a small bowl until you have a spreadable consistency.
- Cut each pastry piece along the seam and lay cut side up. Spoon custard filling onto the bottom half and cover with the lid. Spread the icing on top and sprinkle with coconut.
Notes
- If the icing is too runny, add extra icing mixture
- If the icing is too thick, add extra boiling hot water
- I used Colour Mill 'Fusion' colour
