Combine peaches, sugar, and vanilla in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until they form their own syrup and peaches soften.
Blend peaches with an immersion blender or pour into a regular blender. Allow to cool completely before using.
For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:
Combine the milk and vanilla in a small saucepan, and cook over medium heat to just below boiling.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
Add the egg yolks and beat thoroughly with an electric mixer.
Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture and whisk to combine.
Heat milk mixture over boiling water (double boiler) stirring constantly until the custard is thick and smooth. Allow to cool completely before using.
For the Puff Pastry:
Unfold defrosted pastry sheets and lay on a lightly floured surface. Cut each section along the fold and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before using.
To assemble the Peaches and Cream Napoleons:
Split each puffed pastry sheet in half to form two layers. Set all six layers aside.
Spread peach coulis over one of the bottom puff pastry layers.
Place a layer on top of the peaches, and spread with pastry cream.
Continue layering pastry sheets, peach coulis, and pastry cream until you have five layers total.
Glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk.
Pour glaze over top pastry sheet layer. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least one hour before serving.
Slice with a wet serrated knife.
Notes
Peach Coulis is a fancy word for peach sauce. If you do not have fresh peaches, or the desire to cook down your peaches, feel free to substitute a jar of peach preserves. It is worth the effort though.
The custard layer is a standard “cooked” pastry cream recipe. The steps are very similar to the ones used to make the Chocolate Cream Pie, but this version is vanilla.
I used my handy stainless steel bowl with a pot of water trick for a double boiler again.
I really see no point to purchasing an actual double boiler when this works so well!