Hungarian Krémes is a classic Hungarian custard slice made with crisp layers of puff pastry and a generous amount of silky vanilla custard cream. Finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, this elegant pastry is one of the most beloved desserts in Hungarian bakeries.

Light, creamy, crisp, and wonderfully fragrant with vanilla, Krémes is perfect with afternoon coffee, tea, or as a special dessert for family gatherings and celebrations.

What Is Hungarian Krémes?

The Hungarian word krémes means something like “creamy” or “cream-filled.”

Traditional Hungarian Krémes consists of two layers of flaky pastry surrounding a thick vanilla custard filling. The contrast between the crisp pastry and soft cream is what makes this dessert so irresistible.

It is similar in concept to other Central European custard slices, but Hungarian Krémes has its own characteristic style and is a staple of Hungarian pastry shops.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🇭🇺 Classic Hungarian pastry
• 🍮 Rich vanilla custard
• 🥐 Crisp, flaky pastry layers
• ❄️ Light powdered-sugar finish
• ☕ Perfect with coffee or tea
• 🎂 Elegant enough for celebrations
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wonderful family dessert
• ✨ Simple ingredients, impressive result

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 2 sheets puff pastry, approximately 17 oz (480 g) total
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional

For the Vanilla Custard

• 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar, for dusting