Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsUnion AssemblyVanilla Cream/ Strawberry Streusel Recipe

Vanilla Cream/ Strawberry Streusel Recipe

Inspired by Union Assembly
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Make Vanilla Cream/ Strawberry Streusel Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Vanilla Cream

Method

Vanilla Cream

  1. 1

    Prep vanilla

    If using a vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scrape seeds with the back of a knife. Combine seeds and pod with milk and cream in a small saucepan. If using extract, reserve it for later.

  2. 2

    Heat dairy

    Place saucepan over medium heat and warm the milk and cream until it just begins to steam and small bubbles form at the edge (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 10 minutes to infuse vanilla fully. If you used a vanilla bean, remove and discard the pod after steeping.

  3. 3

    Whisk yolks

    Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar and cornstarch until smooth and slightly pale (about 1–2 minutes). This will temper into the hot milk.

  4. 4

    Temper eggs

    Slowly whisk about 1/3 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks to raise their temperature, then slowly pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking constantly to combine.

  5. 5

    Cook custard

    Return saucepan to medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula, scraping the bottom, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spatula (about 3–6 minutes). Do not let it boil vigorously—small bubbles are fine.

  6. 6

    Finish cream

    Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, salt and vanilla extract (if you didn't use a bean). Taste and adjust salt/sweetness if needed. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl for extra-silky texture.

  7. 7

    Cool

    Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin and chill until cold, at least 1 hour. The cream will continue to thicken as it cools.

Strawberry Streusel

  1. 8

    Prepare strawberries

    Place quartered strawberries in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, gently toss and let macerate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to release juices.

  2. 9

    Mix dry streusel ingredients

    In a separate bowl combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, almond meal (if using) and salt. Toss to evenly distribute.

  3. 10

    Cut in butter

    Add cold diced butter to the dry mixture. Using a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. This should be cohesive but crumbly.

  4. 11

    Add vanilla and combine

    Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the streusel and mix briefly. If the mixture seems too dry to hold crumbs, add 1/2 teaspoon cold water and toss once.

  5. 12

    Toast (optional)

    For extra flavor, spread the streusel in a single layer on a small baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and aromatic; cool completely. Alternatively, use it raw for a softer texture.

  6. 13

    Assemble

    Spoon or pipe chilled vanilla cream into serving dishes. Spoon macerated strawberries (with any juices) over the cream, then sprinkle a generous layer of streusel on top. Press lightly so some streusel adheres. Serve immediately for crisp streusel, or let sit 10–15 minutes for softened topping.

  7. 14

    Storage

    Store assembled portions covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (streusel will soften). Store remaining vanilla cream in an airtight container up to 3 days and streusel separately at room temperature up to 2 days.

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