These Sour Cream Custard Puff Pastry Rolls are a delicate balance of sweet and tangy, with a rich custard filling nestled inside flaky, golden puff pastry. The creamy sour cream custard becomes silky when baked, offering a luxurious texture that’s perfect for brunch, tea time, or as an elegant dessert.
A little taste of European bakery magic in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧈 Silky Custard Center: A soft, spoonable filling that melts in your mouth.
- 🥐 Crispy Puff Layers: Golden and airy—perfectly crisp on the outside, tender within.
- 🍊 Versatile Flavor Base: Sweet or savory? Your choice!
- ⏱️ Quick Assembly: Make the custard ahead and roll them up fast.
- 🎉 Great for Gifting or Sharing: Perfect for holidays, picnics, or breakfast trays.
Ingredients (Makes 12 rolls):
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 large egg (about 50g without shell)
- 110g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) vanilla sugar , or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch (for thickening – about 15g)
- 350g (1½ cups) full-fat sour cream (or thick Greek yogurt)
- 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter , cubed
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry , thawed (about 260–300g)
- 1 large egg , beaten (for egg wash)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional – for savory twist)
Optional Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for sweet version)
- Fresh herbs or grated cheese (for savory version)
- Drizzle of fruit preserves or honey
- Mild garlic-herb dip for savory service
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Custard Filling
In a medium saucepan, crack:
- Egg and whisk until fully blended
Add:
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar or extract
- Cornstarch
Whisk hard for 30 seconds until smooth and slightly thickened.
Gradually add:
- Sour cream , one-third at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Step 2: Cook Over Medium Heat
Place the saucepan over medium heat , stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula .
Cook for 6–7 minutes , scraping the bottom and sides until the mixture becomes thick and glossy , like pudding.
Tip: Don’t let it boil—it may curdle or separate.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Butter cubes , one by one, until fully melted and incorporated
Let cool slightly before spreading.
Transfer to a shallow bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface.
Cool to room temperature—about 15 minutes .
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) (convection: 350°F / 180°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 12 x 16 inches (30 x 40 cm) and about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Work quickly to keep the pastry cold and firm.
Step 4: Spread the Custard & Roll
Spread the sour cream custard evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.
Starting from the opposite side, roll the pastry tightly toward the empty border like a jelly roll.
Pinch the seam gently to seal.
Place the rolled log seam-side down and chill for 10 minutes if soft, to help maintain shape while slicing.
Step 5: Cut Into Rolls
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces , about 2 inches thick .
Arrange rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.
Step 6: Brush With Egg Wash & Bake
In a small bowl, beat:
- 1 large egg
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper (optional for savory flavor)
Brush generously over the top of each roll.
This gives a beautiful golden glaze and helps the pastry puff up perfectly.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake in preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , turning halfway through, until the rolls are golden brown , puffed, and the custard just starts to bubble.
They should be firm to the touch but still light and airy.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the rolls rest on the pan for 5 minutes —this allows steam to settle and keeps the pastry crisp.
Then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly—or serve warm for a molten center experience.
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: For best flavor and texture—low-fat can separate.
- 🧊 Chill Before Baking: Helps prevent spreading and maintains shape during baking.
- 🧁 Make Ahead Magic: Prepare rolls earlier and refrigerate—bake just before serving.
- 🧄 Sweet or Savory Option: Add cheddar, herbs, or caramelized onions for a savory twist.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then store in a bag—bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Great for school lunches, holiday brunches, or picnic baskets.
- Ideal as part of a charcuterie board or dessert platter.
Nutritional Information (per roll, makes 12 servings – approximate):
(Based on regular sour cream and puff pastry – without toppings)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~14g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sugar: ~8g
These Sour Cream Custard Puff Pastry Rolls prove that even simple ingredients can create something truly special. With their flaky crust, silky center, and aromatic vanilla finish—they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
So go ahead and bake this batch today… because once you take a bite—you’ll understand why they’re so beloved!
