Decadent Napoleon Pastry Recipe for Any Occasion

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 egg yolks, 200 milliliters of ice-cold water, and 2.5 tablespoons of vinegar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Next, grate the 300 grams of cold butter (or margarine) into the flour in a separate bowl. This will help create a flaky texture for your pastry. Once grated, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Then, pour in the egg mixture and mix gently. You don't need to knead the dough extensively; just form it into a ball and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to chill and firm up.

After chilling, divide the dough into 9 to 12 equal parts. You can keep the portions refrigerated until you're ready to roll them out.

Roll out each portion of dough as thinly as you can, aiming for a diameter of about 25-26 centimeters. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit).

Place the rolled dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-6 minutes. Monitor them closely to prevent burning; every oven can be slightly different. You'll know they’re ready when they puff up and turn a light golden brown.

While the pastry layers cool, start preparing the cream. In a mixing bowl, combine 300 grams of softened butter with 1.5 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don't forget to add a hint of vanilla extract for flavor!

For those who prefer a moist Napoleon dessert, you can also mix in a custard cream with the condensed milk mixture.

To assemble the cake, start with the first baked pastry layer, spread it generously with a layer of cream, and continue to stack the layers while alternating with the cream. Repeat until all layers are used up.

Once assembled, cover the Napoleon cake and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time is essential for the layers to soften and for the flavors to meld together.

After the cake has rested, it's ready to serve! Cut into slices and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures. This classic Napoleon pastry is sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether you like it crunchy or moist. Enjoy!