For many, the phrase “Best Vanilla Slice in Melbourne” conjures up images of flaky pastry, creamy vanilla custard, and a dusting of icing sugar. But with so many bakeries vying for the title, where do you even begin your search for this Aussie icon? Discovering the perfect Vanilla Slice in Melbourne can be a delightful, albeit daunting, task. Let’s unpack the history, the rivalry, and the sheer deliciousness that makes this treat a must-try for anyone visiting or living in this vibrant city.
A Slice of History: More Than Just a ‘Snot Block’
While often playfully nicknamed a “snot block”, the Vanilla Slice actually boasts a more elegant origin story. Its roots can be traced back to the French mille-feuille, meaning “a thousand sheets,” which perfectly describes its delicate pastry layers. The Australian take on the dessert often opts for fewer pastry layers and a generous amount of creamy vanilla custard.
The quest for the best Vanilla Slice in Melbourne, and indeed Australia, is no passing fad. This nationwide obsession kicked off in 1998 with the inception of the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph. The story goes that then-Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett declared a certain bakery in Ouyen as having the “best Vanilla Slice” he’d ever encountered. And that is where this delicious, and fierce, rivalry amongst bakeries began.
Melbourne’s Vanilla Slice Giants: A Delicious Dilemma
Choosing the “best” can be subjective, but some contenders consistently earn top marks from vanilla slice connoisseurs. Take Bourkie’s Bakehouse in Woodend. This charming bakery has been satisfying sweet cravings for over three decades with their award-winning Vanilla Slice. This bakery is known for using quality ingredients to create a truly delicious Vanilla Slice in Melbourne.
Of course, no Vanilla Slice pilgrimage would be complete without a stop at The Vanilla Slice Cafe in Sorrento. This popular bakery has been serving its “out of this world kickass” Vanilla Slice in Melbourne since 1983. And for many locals, their beach trips are not complete without a visit to the bakery to feast on their mouth-watering Vanilla Slices.
Let’s not forget about those who prefer their Vanilla Slice in Melbourne with a side of social responsibility. The Oh Darlin’ bakery in Coburg is dedicated to creating delicious, artisanal vegan baked goods. This bakery is a must-try for those after a delicious vegan Vanilla Slice. They also offer a variety of other vegan baked goods like cookies, cakes, pasties and donuts.
The Award-Winning Underdogs Vanilla Slice
In 2023, North End Bakehouse in Shepparton won gold for their Vanilla Slice in the National Baking Association of Australia’s competition. This quaint bakery charmed the judges with their classic take on the Vanilla Slice – proving that sometimes the simplest things are the best. In fact, people travel from all over Victoria just to try their award-winning Vanilla Slices.
Then there’s the acclaimed Bridgewater Bakehouse, the winner of the 2018-2019 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Award. This bakery attracts visitors from far and wide, all eager for a taste of their winning Vanilla Slice – light, flaky pastry filled with vanilla bean-infused custard and finished with a glossy fondant icing. You’ll find the Bridgewater Bakehouse’s Vanilla Slice so mouthwatering and delicious, you’ll be back for more.
Boutique Bakeries: The Best Vanilla Slice at Your Fingertips
For a different perspective on Melbourne’s Vanilla Slice scene, you can’t go past The French Lettuce. This boutique bakery is known for its award-winning Vanilla Slice. In fact, their Vanilla Slice has been voted number one in Melbourne by The Age, Herald Sun and Urban List.
Crafting Your Own Vanilla Slice of Heaven
Now, what if you could bring a touch of Melbourne’s bakery magic into your own kitchen? Below, you’ll find a recipe for a classic vanilla slice that rivals even the most renowned bakeries in the city. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is sure to impress even the discerning Vanilla Slice critics.
Classic Australian Vanilla Slice Recipe
This recipe will walk you through the steps to make a mouth-watering and delicious Vanilla Slice. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll soon be enjoying this beloved Aussie classic. This recipe makes a medium portion size, so you’ll have enough to share.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 500g plain flour, plus extra for dusting.
- 1 tsp salt.
- 250g cold unsalted butter, diced.
- 250ml cold water.
For the Custard:
- 1 litre full-cream milk.
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped.
- 8 egg yolks.
- 250g caster sugar.
- 60g cornflour.
- 50g unsalted butter, diced.
- Icing Sugar, to dust.
Instructions
Make the Pastry:
- In a bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add butter, rubbing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough comes together. Don’t overwork it.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a rectangle. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll pastry on a floured surface into a 3mm-thick rectangle. Cut in half. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
- Prick pastry all over with a fork. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
Make the Custard:
- Combine milk and vanilla seeds in a saucepan; bring just to a simmer. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale. Add cornflour; whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture.
- Return to the saucepan. Cook, stirring, until thick. Remove from heat; stir in butter until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming. Cool completely.
Assemble:
- Place one sheet of pastry on a serving platter. Top with cooled custard, spreading evenly. Gently place remaining pastry on top. Dust with icing sugar. Let chill for at least an hour. Cut into slices and enjoy.
Conclusion: Best Vanilla Slice in Melbourne
Finding the best Vanilla Slice in Melbourne is a quest for Vanilla Slice connoisseurs everywhere! Especially those who appreciate the perfect combination of flaky pastry and creamy custard. It’s an adventure through charming bakeries and award-winning creations, with each bakery having its own unique take on this classic slice. Whether you stick to the classics or venture into new-age vegan varieties, one thing’s for sure: when it comes to finding the best Vanilla Slice in Melbourne, your taste buds are in for a treat.
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