Ingredients
Pastry
Cream
Instructions
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine flour, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, and milk. Mix thoroughly. Heat over medium until thickened, stirring constantly. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, beat butter at room temperature until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating. Then, add the cooled custard mixture and mix well. Finally, add the sweetened condensed milk and blend again. Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before assembling.
Step 2
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut each sheet into 6 pieces without rolling out the dough, and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Reduce the temperature to 100°C (212°F). Remove the sheets from the oven, cut each rectangle in half, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 3
Crumble approximately 6 halves (3 full rectangles) of the puff pastry to use as a topping. Take a pastry half, spread the cream, cover with another half, and coat the entire pastry with more cream.
Roll the assembled pastry in the crumbs you prepared and serve. This recipe yields about 9 Mini Napoleons.
Servings
Equipment
A medium-sized saucepan will help you blend and heat the creamy custard filling evenly. Ensure it's non-stick to avoid scorching.
You'll need this to whip the butter until it's light and fluffy. The right consistency is key for a perfect filling.
Use a good quality baking tray lined with parchment paper to ensure your puff pastry bakes evenly and doesn't stick.
For precise cuts of your pastry sheets. A sharp blade will prevent tearing and ensure clean lines.
Variations
Faq
- Why is my pastry not flaky enough?
Ensure that your puff pastry is baked at the right temperature, and not overhandled before baking. Cold pastry baked at a high temperature helps achieve flakiness.
- Can I substitute regular sugar with a sugar alternative?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. However, the texture and sweetness might slightly differ, so adjust according to taste.
- How can I prevent my custard from becoming lumpy?
Whisk continuously while cooking and ensure the heat is not too high. If lumps form, you can blend the custard until smooth.
- What's the secret to making the perfect cream consistency?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature and well beaten to incorporate air, resulting in a fluffy texture. Add your cooled custard slowly, blending as you go.
- How can I store these "Napoleon" pastries?
After assembly, these pastries are best enjoyed within a day or two. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
You can prepare the pastry sheets and cream in advance, storing them separately. Assemble them the day you're serving for the freshest experience.