11 Ideas on What to Do with Leftover Pastry Cream
As a baker, I can’t stand the thought of any delicious ingredient going to waste. Pastry cream is so versatile — it’s a perfect base or filling for many sweets. That’s why I have found some fantastic recipe ideas to use up any leftover pastry cream you may have.
You’ll be amazed at how many classic pastries you can make, starting with a simple base of pastry cream. Grab your apron and spatula – we’ve got some baking to do! Let’s use that leftover pastry cream and make some magic.
List of Recipes Using Leftover Pastry Cream
As you are about to see, there’s no need to let leftover pastry cream go to waste. With so many delicious ways to use it up, you’ll be whipping up batches of the stuff only to end up with leftovers. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, chocolatey, or totally over the top, you have pastry cream options for days.
So go ahead — make a double batch next time a recipe calls for the stuff. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have the satisfaction of avoiding food waste.
Berry Trifle
A classic English trifle layers pound cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. Using leftover pastry cream in place of custard adds richness and decadence. You can also top the trifle with a layer of fresh or frozen berries, like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries!
Check out this recipe
Italian Chocolate Pastry Cream Tiramisu
The classic Italian dessert tiramisu gets a chocolatey twist with this recipe. The richness of the chocolate pastry cream paired with the light, airy mascarpone cheese creates a dessert that’s not too heavy but still satisfyingly indulgent. Your lucky guests will surely appreciate all the chocolatey nuances in each heavenly bite! A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche on top adds a nice creamy finish.
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Torta Della Nonna
I have a serious soft spot for Torta Della Nonna, a.k.a Grandmother's Cake, a classic Italian custard tart. Whenever I have leftover pastry cream, this dessert is the first that comes to mind. This perfect soft creamy dessert has a sugary dough on top and bottom, a soft custard in the center, and a crunchy pine nut on top. Delish!
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German Buttercream
Leftover pastry cream is a baker’s dream. One of my favorite ways to use it is to make buttercream frosting. This simple buttercream pairs perfectly with cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It's simple to color and flavor it as desired with extracts, zests, or mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candies.
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Eclairs
Making eclairs is one of my favorite ways to use leftover pastry cream. I pipe the pastry cream into pâte à choux dough strips and top them with chocolate ganache for classic chocolate eclairs. I also love getting creative with different fillings and toppings! You can also add mix-ins — just let your imagination go wild because the possibilities with eclairs are endless!
Check out this recipe
Pastry Cream Ice Cream
All you need is about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll have a rich, creamy custard-flavored ice cream. The pastry cream provides the perfect creamy base, so no additional dairy or eggs are needed. Sometimes, I jazz it up by mixing in chocolate shavings, fresh or frozen fruit like berries, or a splash of liqueur. This easy recipe is a great way to use leftover pastry cream and reinvent it into a cool summer treat.
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Stuffed Pancakes with Fruit Sauce
To use the leftover pastry cream, I like to make stuffed pancakes topped with a fruit sauce. While ordinary pancakes will probably never get boring, every now and then, I want to mix things up and try a slightly different version of them. The creamy filling paired with the tangy fruit sauce is a delicious combination and a perfect way to use up leftover pastry cream.
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Creme Brulee French Toast
This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into an elegant weekend treat. Your family and friends will surely appreciate your resourcefulness in using leftovers in such a deliciously decadent way. Serve it warm, topped with the leftover pastry cream, fresh fruit like berries, and maple syrup. The pastry cream melts into the toast, creating a rich and creamy center.
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Mini Fruit Tarts With Pastry Cream
There’s nothing quite like a homemade fruit tart. A fruit tart is a lovely, light dessert option for any occasion. Using leftover pastry cream in such a delicious way means nothing goes to waste. And the variety of fruits you can include means a fruit tart can be customized for any season. So many bonus points!
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Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is one of my all-time favorite desserts. Whenever I have leftover pastry cream, I make a quick banana pudding. This classic treat is always a crowd-pleaser. Your friends and family will never know you had leftover pastry cream — it’s a sweet secret!
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Crème Brûlée Macarons
Macarons are delicate French almond cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling — just like pastry cream! It provides a rich yet balanced contrast to the crunchy, chewy macaron shells. The pastry cream needs time to firm up again for most effortless eating, so make sure to give it enough time. Your guests will rave about these light, sweet treats!
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Danish Pockets with Pastry Cream
Making Danish pockets is such a great way to use leftover pastry cream since the creamy filling pairs perfectly with the flaky, buttery puff pastry. These pockets are great for both breakfast and brunch. Danish pastry is an improved, layered pastry. The layers of dough and fat cause it to expand and rise, resulting in a flaky, tender pastry that will surely please a crowd.
Check out this recipe
Do you feel inspired? Which one are you making? I’m excited to hear about your chosen leftover pastry cream solution in the comments below!
