Diplomat Cream (Crème Diplomate)

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Light, silky pastry filling

Diplomat cream is a classic pastry favorite that blends rich pastry cream with fluffy whipped cream for a texture that’s luxuriously smooth yet surprisingly light. It’s the secret behind many bakery-style desserts, perfect for filling cream puffs, éclairs, tarts, cakes, and layered desserts. This recipe is ideal for home bakers who want professional results without complicated steps. Made with simple ingredients and finished in minutes, diplomat cream adds an elegant touch to both everyday treats and special-occasion desserts—creamy, airy, and endlessly versatile.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: About 2½ cups

📝 Ingredients List

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for extra smoothness)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat milk with half the sugar over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
  2. Whisk yolks: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
  3. Temper: Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
  4. Cook: Return mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking nonstop for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  5. Finish pastry cream: Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla until fully melted 😊
  6. Chill: Cover surface with plastic wrap and chill 30 minutes until completely cool.
  7. Whip cream: Beat heavy cream to soft-medium peaks.
  8. Fold: Gently fold whipped cream into chilled pastry cream until light and airy ✨

💡 Pro Tips

  • Texture control: Fold gently to keep the cream light—don’t stir aggressively.
  • Flavor boost: Add citrus zest, espresso powder, or almond extract.
  • Stability: Best used within 24 hours for maximum fluffiness.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

🍰 Perfect Uses for Diplomat Cream

  • Cream puffs & éclairs
  • Fruit tarts
  • Layer cakes
  • Mille-feuille
  • Dessert cups with berries

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