Experience the delightful combination of a Flaky Almond Cream Pastry paired with a refreshing Coffee Smoothie. The pastry features a golden, flaky exterior adorned with crunchy almond flakes, encasing a rich and smooth cream filling. This elegant treat is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a sophisticated dessert course.

The Coffee Smoothie complements the pastry with its smooth, creamy texture and invigorating coffee flavor. Blended with yogurt, condensed milk, and ice, this drink is a refreshing companion to the indulgent pastry. Serve this delightful duo for a perfectly balanced treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cream:

• 160g (5.64 oz) soft butter
• 2 eggs
• 150g (5.3 oz) sugar
• 10g (0.35 oz) vanilla sugar
• 70g (2.47 oz) corn starch
• 500ml (16.9 fl oz) milk

For the Dough:

• 100ml (3.4 fl oz) water
• 100ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
• 10g (0.35 oz) salt
• 10g (0.35 oz) sugar
• 80g (2.82 oz) butter
• 120g (4.23 oz) flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 50g (1.76 oz) almond flakes

For the Drink:

• 200ml (6.76 fl oz) coffee
• 70g (2.47 oz) yogurt
• 20g (0.7 oz) condensed milk
• 15g (½ oz) sugar
• 70g (2.47 oz) ice

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a saucepan, combine 100ml water, 100ml milk, 10g salt, 10g sugar, and 80g butter. Bring to a boil.
   • Once boiling, add 120g flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
   • Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
   • Add the 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
   • Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe it onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming a circle or desired shape.
   • Brush the dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle 50g almond flakes on top.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cream:
   • In a saucepan, combine 500ml milk, 150g sugar, and 10g vanilla sugar. Heat until the mixture is warm.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 70g corn starch.
   • Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding 160g soft butter. Mix until smooth.
   • Chill the cream in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Assemble the Pastry:
   • Once the pastry and cream are both cooled, cut the pastry in half horizontally.
   • Spread the chilled cream evenly over the bottom half of the pastry.
   • Place the top half of the pastry over the cream.
4. Prepare the Drink:
   • Brew 200ml of coffee and let it cool.
   • In a blender, combine 70g yogurt, 20g condensed milk, 15g sugar, and 70g ice.
   • Add the cooled coffee and blend until smooth.
   • Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Ensure the dough is cooled slightly before adding the eggs to prevent them from cooking.
• Whisk constantly when adding the warm milk to the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
• Chill the cream thoroughly for a stable and smooth filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Kcal: 300 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: 8 servings

 

Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:

Tips for Making the Best Almond Pastry and Iced Coffee

1. Proper Cooling: Ensure the dough and cream are adequately cooled before assembling the pastry to maintain the right texture.
2. Smooth Cream: Whisk the cream mixture constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Serving Fresh: Serve the iced coffee immediately after blending to enjoy its refreshing taste and texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Fruit Addition: Add fresh berries or sliced fruits to the cream layer for added flavor and a pop of color.
2. Nut Substitutes: Use different nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a unique twist.
3. Serving Ideas: This pastry pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Freezing: The dough can be frozen before baking. Shape the dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Possible Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Yes, margarine can be used, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture.
2. What if my dough is too sticky?
   • If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
3. Can I make the cream ahead of time?
   • Yes, the cream can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. Is it necessary to use almond flakes?
   • Almond flakes add a nice crunch, but you can omit them or use other nuts if preferred.
5. How can I make the iced coffee less sweet?
   • Adjust the amount of sugar and condensed milk to suit your taste preference.
6. Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
   • Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be used for convenience, but homemade dough has a superior taste and texture.
7. What type of coffee works best for the drink?
   • Strongly brewed coffee or espresso works best for a robust flavor in the iced coffee.
8. Can I add flavorings to the cream?
   • Yes, you can add extracts like almond or coffee for additional flavor in the cream.
9. How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the parchment paper?
   • Ensure the parchment paper is lightly greased or use a silicone baking mat.
10. Can I serve the pastry warm?
    • Yes, the pastry can be served warm or at room temperature. If serving warm, reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This Almond Pastry with Vanilla Cream and Iced Coffee is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a luxurious breakfast or a sophisticated dessert, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious creation!