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You are here: Home / Recipes / Desserts / Custards and Dessert Sauces / Pastry Cream Alternative (egg free)

Pastry Cream Alternative (egg free)

Published May 5, 2022 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

Egg free pastry cream with text overlay.
Egg free pastry cream with text overlay.
Egg free pastry cream with text overlay.
Egg free pastry cream with text overlay.

This pastry cream alternative requires just two ingredients and is egg free. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make and tastes delicious! You can use this substitute pastry cream in most of the same ways you would use classic French pastry cream.

A jar full of pastry cream alternative with a spoon stuck into it.

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When it comes to culinary arts school, there are not may “shortcuts” taught, especially in regards to baking and pastry. All the rules were broken when we learned how to make this pastry cream alternative recipe.

Classic Pastry Cream, also know as Crème Pâtissière, is a staple in the pastry kitchen. This alternative pastry cream is much easier to make, does not require any cooking, and tastes pretty similar, as well. Of course there is nothing like the original, but if time is of concern, or you simply prefer the ease of this substitute, it’s a perfectly good option.

This version is also eggless, so there is no need to worry about if the eggs were heated properly and it’s suitable for those with an egg allergy.

You can use this alternative pastry cream in any recipe that calls for classic pastry cream such as Cream Puffs or Crepes.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s a quick and easy alternative to classic pastry cream. This recipe only requires 2 ingredients and about 5 minutes. It can be used immediately.

You can use this alternative pastry cream in the same ways you would traditional pastry cream. It is equally as versatile.

This pastry cream does not contain egg when made with Jello Instant Pudding, making it a great option for those with an egg allergy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients to make eggless pastry cream on a marble table with text overlay.

  • Instant Pudding Mix: I use Jello Instant Pudding Mix. If you use an alternative, be sure to check the ingredients for eggs, as they may vary.
  • Heavy Cream
  • Whole Milk (optional): you can use milk to thin the pastry cream, if needed.

Note: you can use any size instant pudding box that you need. Use the same amount of heavy cream as what is noted on the directions on the box for the milk.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

There is no prep work for this recipe.

Create!

Pastry cream in a mixing bowl.

Add the pudding mix and heavy cream to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.

Chef’s Tip: while you can whisk this pastry cream by hand, it gets very thick and will be difficult to do.

Start the mixer on low until the powder and heavy cream combine. Raise the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Chef’s Tip: if a thinner pastry cream is desired, gradually add milk until the consistency is where you need it to be.

Present!

Crepes filled with pastry cream.

Use as desired.

Tips and Techniques

  • Use whole milk to thin the pastry cream to the desired consistency. 
  • Store leftover pastry cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a week.

FAQ’s

Does Pastry Cream Contain Eggs?

Classic pastry cream does contain eggs.

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If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

A jar full of pastry cream alternative with a spoon stuck into it.
Print

Pastry Cream Alternative (No Eggs)

This pastry cream alternative requires just two ingredients and is egg free. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make and tastes delicious! You can use this substitute pastry cream in most of the same ways you would use classic French pastry cream.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 248kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 5.1 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • whole milk (as needed)

Instructions

  • Add the pudding mix and heavy cream to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
    1 5.1 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups heavy cream
  • Start the mixer on low until the powder and heavy cream combine. Raise the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • If a thinner pastry cream is desired, gradually add milk until the consistency is where you need it to be.
    whole milk
  • Use as desired.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Use whole milk to thin the pastry cream to the desired consistency. 
  • If using a smaller box of instant pudding mix, add the same amount of heavy cream as listed for milk on the package.
  • Store leftover pastry cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a week.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. The amount of pastry cream will vary depending on how long it is whipped. One serving for nutritional purposes is 1/12 of the total volume.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

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Filed Under: Custards and Dessert Sauces, Desserts, Recipes

Comments

  1. Sylvia says

    November 2, 2022 at 10:50 am

    I’m wondering how this freezes. I’m looking for a pastry cream hack to use between cake layers but I have to freeze the cake prior to delivery. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      November 2, 2022 at 11:35 am

      Hi Sylvia! We froze just about everything in pastry class, yet I do not specifically remember freezing the pastry cream alternative. Freezing dairy is always kind of iffy. If this is something you’d really like to do, I’d make a batch, freeze a small amount, then see how it thaws. Sometimes the texture can change after thawing. It should keep in the fridge for up to a week if it doesn’t work out – there are lots of other uses for it!

      Sorry I don’t have a more definite answer at this time.

      – Lauren

      Reply
  2. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    August 7, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    This is brilliant. I know lots of people with egg allergies. This would come in handy for some pretty delicious pastries! Thanks for sharing. Going to pass it on!🥰😋👍👌🙏

    Reply
  3. Amy says

    August 7, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    This was a tasty and easy to make substitute for my favorite napoleon recipe. I always have the ingredients on hand so it’s quick to whip up.

    Reply
  4. Jacqueline Debono says

    August 7, 2022 at 4:15 am

    I was looking for an easy pastry cream recipe to use with donuts! This was perfect and so easy! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Veronika says

    August 4, 2022 at 12:40 pm

    Such a great hack! So easy and I feel better eating this than the classic one with eggs.

    Reply
  6. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    August 3, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    I grew up with my Mom making the traditional stuff and then once instant pudding mix came out, she switched to using that with heavy cream. the flavor possibilities are endless! Thank you so much for bringing an amazing classic back!

    Reply
  7. Jessica says

    August 3, 2022 at 11:52 am

    What a great little hack! Much easier than making your own, and tasty too! Now I can make this with crepes for weekend brunch 🙂

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    August 3, 2022 at 8:14 am

    This is so much easier than pastry cream and just as
    Tasty! Love that it’s egg free too

    Reply
  9. Peter says

    August 2, 2022 at 6:07 am

    I can’t believe how easy this was to make, perfect when you have limited ingredients in your pantry! This is my new pastry cream recipe!

    Reply
  10. Christy says

    August 1, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    This is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  11. Bernice says

    August 1, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    What?! My mind is blown…how easy is this egg free pastry cream alternative? I’ve kind of been avoiding making pastry cream for a while now but I think I can handle this two ingredient recipe!

    Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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