These Almond Puff Pastries are a true delight, with a perfect balance of crunchy puff pastry, creamy Nutella filling, and fresh strawberries. The almond flakes add a delightful texture, making each bite a treat. These pastries are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty, making them perfect for any occasion.
Pair these delightful pastries with a refreshing banana-coffee drink. The combination of coffee, bananas, and vanilla creates a smooth and flavorful beverage that complements the pastries perfectly. The chopped almonds add a crunchy texture, making this drink a wonderful accompaniment to the pastries.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry:
- 400g (14 oz) puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 30g (1.1 oz) almond flakes
For the Cream:
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) whipping cream
- 60g (2.1 oz) vanilla-flavored pudding powder
- 50g (1.8 oz) sugar
- 300ml (10 fl oz) milk
- 120g (4.2 oz) Nutella
- 150g (5.3 oz) strawberries, sliced
For the Drink:
- 20g (0.7 oz) instant coffee
- 100ml (3.4 fl oz) hot water
- 2 bananas
- 150ml (5.1 fl oz) milk
- 30ml (1 fl oz) whipping cream
- 20g (0.7 oz) powdered sugar
- 5ml (0.2 fl oz) vanilla essence
- 20g (0.7 oz) almonds, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into desired shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle almond flakes on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool.
- Make the Cream:
- Mix the pudding powder, sugar, and a little milk to form a smooth paste. Heat the rest of the milk and add the paste, stirring continuously until thickened. Let it cool.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cooled pudding mixture and Nutella. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Cut the pastries in half horizontally. Spread a layer of Nutella cream on the bottom half, add sliced strawberries, and cover with the top half.
- Prepare the Drink:
- Dissolve the instant coffee in hot water. Blend together the coffee, bananas, milk, whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence until smooth.
- Serve the almond puff pastries with a glass of the banana-coffee drink and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for an extra crunch.
Tips:
- Ensure the puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cream and drink to your preference.
- Garnish with extra strawberries and a drizzle of melted Nutella for an extra indulgent touch.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: Makes about 8 pastries
Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:
Tips for Making the Best Almond Puff Pastries
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the cream and drink to your preference.
- Extra Garnish: Garnish with extra strawberries and a drizzle of melted Nutella for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Different Fruits: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of Nutella for a different twist.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Freezing: The assembled but unbaked pastries can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. 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: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Possible Questions About This Recipe
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
- Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe.
- What if I don’t have vanilla pudding powder?
- You can use any flavor of pudding powder or make a simple vanilla custard from scratch.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free milk, cream, and a suitable substitute for Nutella.
- How do I prevent the pastries from getting soggy?
- Ensure the cream filling is well-chilled before assembling the pastries.
- Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Yes, chopped hazelnuts or almonds can be added to the Nutella cream for extra crunch.
- How do I store the banana-coffee drink?
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and shake well before serving.
- Can I make the pastries ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the pastries and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- What other toppings can I use?
- You can use chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Can I make the drink without coffee?
- Yes, you can omit the coffee and blend the bananas with milk and cream for a creamy banana drink.
- How do I know when the pastries are done?
- The pastries should be golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
These Almond Puff Pastries with Nutella Cream and Strawberry Filling are a delicious and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this decadent recipe with your friends and family!