Ingredients

Cream

40 grams (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
2 egg yolks
100 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
360 grams (1.5 pounds) unsalted butter, room temperature
60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
80 grams (1/3 cup) sweetened condensed milk
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cream

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

Bake the Pastry

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

Assemble the Napoleons

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

Prepare to impress your guests with these delightful serving ideas! 🎉 Pair these "Napoleon" pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦 for a classic dessert twist. The cold, creamy texture beautifully contrasts the flaky pastry layers, creating a heavenly bite in every forkful. Feeling a bit more indulgent? Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top 🍫🍬 to elevate the sweet factor. Just a touch will each pastry a deliciously glossy finish. For a touch of elegance, dust the tops with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds 🌰. This not only adds flavor but also gives them a gourmet look. Hosting a tea party? These pastries can be the centerpiece of your dessert spread. Serve alongside a selection of herbal teas, like chamomile or mint, and watch them disappear as your guests savor every layer. ☕✨

Equipment

Variations

Enjoy delicious **gluten-free** "Napoleon" pastries by using gluten-free puff pastry sheets, readily available at specialty stores or online. Gluten-free flour can replace regular flour in the creamy custard for seamless substitution. 🥳 For our **vegan** friends, swap out the butter for plant-based margarine and use almond or soy milk in place of dairy milk. A pinch of agar-agar can thicken the custard effectively, and you can sweeten it with coconut condensed milk. 🌱💚 These tweaks ensure everyone can delight in these pastries without sacrificing flavor or texture! 🎂✨

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.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Mini Napoleon Pastries with Creamy Filling
Recipe Yield:9 servings
Calories:Each serving may contain approximately 520-560 calories.
Calories (Min - Max):520 - 560
Total Fat:35g
Saturated Fat:22g
Protein:4g
Total Carbohydrate:45g
Total Sugars:25g