Salted caramel and pecan cream slice

Cream slice -- also known as cremeschnitte, cremeș or krempita -- is a beloved dessert in many European countries and beyond. No matter what it's called, the essence of the dessert is the same: a sturdy, sliceable vanilla custard sandwiched between flaky puff pastry layers. Occasionally, you'll also find the custard paired with a layer of sweetened whipped cream. In this version, a rich salted caramel flavors the custard while candied pecans bring an inviting crunch to contrast with the golden flaky pastry. With a bit of planning and a solid mise-en-place (measuring your ingredients before diving into the first step), this satisfying baking project is highly achievable and will reward you with a memorable centerpiece to complete a festive meal.