Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Oh honey, I wouldn't recommend it! Fresh juice makes all the difference with its bright, vibrant flavor. Bottled juice often tastes flat and can make your pastry cream taste artificial. If you're in a pinch, try adding extra zest to boost the flavor.

Help! My pastry cream has lumps - can I fix it?

Don't panic! We've all been there. Just strain it through a fine-mesh sieve while it's still warm - those pesky lumps will disappear. Next time, whisk your egg mixture extra thoroughly and pour the hot milk slower when tempering.

Can I freeze orange pastry cream?

I wouldn't advise it, sweetie. The texture changes completely after freezing - it becomes grainy and separates. But here's a secret: it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 days, and the flavor actually improves after a day!

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try coconut milk, but the texture won't be quite as luxuriously creamy. If you do, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to help it set properly. The orange flavor still shines through beautifully though!

Why does my pastry cream get watery after a day?

This usually means it wasn't cooked long enough to fully thicken. Next time, cook it until big bubbles pop on the surface - that's when you know the cornstarch has fully activated. A little extra cooking time makes all the difference!

7 Irresistible Orange Pastry Cream Secrets You Need Now

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A creamy and citrusy orange pastry cream perfect for filling pastries, cakes, or enjoying on its own.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
Slowly pour hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
Return mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, and butter.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill for at least 2 hours.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
Chill thoroughly before using as a filling.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/orange-pastry-cream-recipe/