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Vanilla Slice - Snot Block

Snot block, snot box, snot brick, pus pie, phlegm sandwich, vanilla slice and vanilla cake.. are just some of the names Australians like to call the humble Vanilla Slice.

Vanilla Slice

What is a traditional Vanilla Slice?

It is a rectangular pastry consisting of thick custard sandwiched by flaky puff pasty topped with vanilla icing.

There are many variations with flavoured custards and icings including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry or passion fruit. Variations also include squares, cake slice (triangle), topped with fruit, wavered and layered pastry

Regardless of variations and origins, a snot block is very Australian with it's origin not known. The Australian vanilla slice is probably a version of the 'mille-feuille' which originated in France.

The term 'Snot Block' is due to the consistency of the custard.

Best Vanilla Slice

There are many competitions each year focussed on the "best" vanilla slice. They include Victoria Baking Show and the long-running Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph.

Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph

Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph is an annual competition for the best vanilla slice baker.. Judging criteria include "when tasted, should reveal a custard with a creamy smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp, crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze/fondant".

The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Merbein

Where to buy

All good bakeries sell Snot Blocks. .. and just about every bakery claims to make the "BEST" snot block! All we say is.. traditional are best.

Make Your Own Vanilla Slice

Check out Valli Little's Very good Vanilla Slice recipe.

One of the reasons this is one of the best vanilla slices you'll try is that it uses store-bought custard powder for ease, but then you spruce it up with fresh vanilla bean, a good dollop of butter and then egg yolks to enrich it even further. This makes the custard filling both simple yet rich and elegant.

Serving eight, this is the perfect recipe for street stalls, school bakes or just for a lovely afternoon tea with family and friends. Keep in mind that it will need to be refrigerated overnight before serving.

taste.com.au