This puff pastry dessert is a perfect blend of light and crispy layers filled with creamy custard and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a treat that combines both texture and flavor, offering a delicious experience in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this dessert is sure to impress. Follow the steps below to create this delightful pastry at home.
Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For Puff Pastry:
- ¾ cup (75g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (130ml) water
- Pinch of salt
- 3.5 tbsp (50g) butter
- 2 large eggs
For Custard Cream:
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup (200ml) milk
- 3 tbsp (40g) sugar
- 2.5 tbsp (20g) all-purpose flour
For Whipped Cream:
- ⅔ cup (150ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15g) sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and bake for another 20 minutes. Finally, lower the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Make the Custard Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the custard cream into the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Once the puff pastries have cooled, slice them in half horizontally.
- Fill each pastry with the custard cream mixture.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Pair with fresh berries or a side of fruit compote for added flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the dough cools slightly before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling.
- If you prefer a more stable filling, chill the custard cream before folding it into the whipped cream.
- Use a piping bag to fill the pastries for a neater presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
- This dessert provides a source of protein from the eggs and a satisfying dose of calcium from the milk and cream.
- While indulgent, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
Storage
- Store the filled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Unfilled pastries can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of crisp puff pastry with rich, creamy filling is irresistible.
- It’s a versatile dessert that can be customized with different fillings or toppings.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Easy to make yet impressive to serve, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
This puff pastry with custard and whipped cream is a delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its light and airy texture, combined with the rich and creamy filling, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results. Give it a try, and enjoy the compliments that will surely come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry to save time.
- How can I make the custard thicker?
- You can add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the custard mixture to achieve a thicker consistency.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream for the whipped cream?
- You can use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
- How do I prevent the custard from curdling?
- Cook the custard over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid curdling.
- Can I add flavoring to the custard?
- Yes, you can add vanilla extract, lemon zest, or any other flavoring of your choice.
- How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the pastries are completely cool before filling and serve immediately after assembling.
- Can I freeze the filled pastries?
- It’s not recommended as the cream filling may lose its texture after freezing.
- What can I serve with this dessert?
- Serve with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Can I make the custard and whipped cream filling ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.