This delicious cream-filled pastry combines a light and airy dough with a rich and creamy filling. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent treat, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet snack, these pastries are sure to impress with their elegance and taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 150g flour (1 + 1/2 cups): Provides the structure for the pastry.
• 100ml water (1/2 cup): Helps to bind the dough together.
• 100ml milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• 80g butter (1/3 cup): Gives the dough a tender and flaky texture.
• 4 eggs: Provides binding and helps the dough rise.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise and become light.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

For the Cream:

• 500ml milk: Forms the base of the creamy filling.
• 150g sugar (1 + 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cream.
• 100g flour (1 cup): Thickens the cream to a custard-like consistency.
• 2 eggs: Adds richness and helps set the cream.
• 180g butter (3/4 cup): Adds a rich, smooth texture to the cream.
• Optional: vanilla flavor: Enhances the flavor of the cream.
• Icing sugar for dusting: Adds a finishing touch to the pastries.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a saucepan, heat the water, milk, and butter until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.
• Pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. Prepare the Cream:

• In a medium saucepan, heat 500ml milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and eggs until smooth.
• Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens to a custard-like consistency.
• Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and smooth. If desired, add a few drops of vanilla flavor.
• Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.

3. Assemble the Pastries:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Cut the dough into desired shapes (e.g., circles or squares) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

4. Fill and Serve:

• Once the pastries are cooled, cut them in half or create a pocket if desired.
• Spoon or pipe the cooled cream filling into the pastries.
• Dust with icing sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and decoration.

Possible Questions:

• Can I use a different flavor for the cream filling? Yes, you can flavor the cream with different extracts like almond, lemon, or orange. Adjust the quantity to taste.
• What if I don’t have baking powder? You can omit the baking powder, but the pastries might not rise as much. Alternatively, you could use baking soda, but you’ll need an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to activate it.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the milk and butter in both the dough and cream with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut oil.

Tips:

• Resting the Dough: Resting the dough in the refrigerator helps to chill the butter, making the dough easier to handle and resulting in flakier pastries.
• Avoid Overfilling: When filling the pastries, avoid overfilling as it may cause the pastries to become soggy or difficult to close.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the pastries are completely cooled before filling to prevent the cream from melting or becoming too runny.

Storage Instructions:

• Room Temperature: The pastries can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the pastries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream filling may firm up slightly when chilled.
• Freezer: The unfilled pastries can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving. Filled pastries are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Facts (approximate per serving):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

Conclusion

This cream-filled pastry recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet and indulgent treat. With a light, flaky dough and a rich, creamy filling, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a delectable combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade pastries with a dusting of icing sugar and a smile!