Pastry Cream

Gather all ingredients.

Stir together milk and 1/4 cup sugar in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Whisk together egg yolks and egg in a medium bowl. Stir together 1/3 cup sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl; stir into eggs until smooth.

Pour boiled milk into egg mixture in a thin stream while mixing so eggs do not cook.

Return egg mixture to the saucepan; slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent curdling and scorching.

When mixture thickens, remove from the heat and stir in butter and vanilla until thoroughly blended.

Pour into a heat-proof container; place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled before using.