Ingredients

Pastry Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry
1 egg yolk
We recommend:
For puff pastry sheet:
Prime Non-slip Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Large with Measurements 16''By 26'' for Silicone Baking Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat,Oven Liner,Fondant/Pie Crust Mat By Folksy Super Kitchen Red
4.8
(22,967) Non-slip Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Large with Measurements 16''By 26'' for Silicone Baking Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat,Oven Liner,Fondant/Pie Crust Mat By Folksy Super Kitchen Red $11.99 $16.99 View details Prime Extra Large Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Thick Non Stick Baking Mat with Measurement Fondant Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat, Oven Liner, Pie Crust Mat (20''(W) * 28''(L), Red)
4.7
(15,968) Extra Large Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Thick Non Stick Baking Mat with Measurement Fondant Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat, Oven Liner, Pie Crust Mat (20''(W) * 28''(L), Red) $12.98 View details Pennant Foods Square Flat Puff Pastry Dough, 2 Ounce -- 120 per case.
4
(33) Pennant Foods Square Flat Puff Pastry Dough, 2 Ounce -- 120 per case. $145.55 View details

Cream Ingredients

1 egg
160 grams (5.5 ounces) milk
40 grams (1.5 ounces) sugar
15 grams (0.5 ounces) vanilla sugar
20 grams (0.5 ounces) cornstarch
50 grams (1.5 ounces) butter, 82% fat
We recommend:
For milk:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.6
(14,536) Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $21.99 View details Prime best seller Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, 1 Quart (Pack of 6)
4.7
(19,270) Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, 1 Quart (Pack of 6) $12.98 View details
For granulated sugar:
Prime best seller Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1
4.8
(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)
4.8
(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags
4.6
(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details
For vanilla sugar:
Prime McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract (Made with Madagascar Vanilla Beans), 16 fl oz
4.8
(21,142) McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract (Made with Madagascar Vanilla Beans), 16 fl oz $21.96 View details Prime Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar
4.8
(10,226) Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar $18.92 View details
For cornstarch:
Argo Corn Starch 50 Pound -- 1 Each
4.5
(21) Argo Corn Starch 50 Pound -- 1 Each $112.67 View details
For 82% fat butter:
LES PRES SALES Sea Salt Camargue Butter 8.8 oz (8 units)
4.7
(15) LES PRES SALES Sea Salt Camargue Butter 8.8 oz (8 units) $99.99 View details Chef's Quality: Liquid Butter Alternative 1 Gallon (2 Pack)
4.5
(40) Chef's Quality: Liquid Butter Alternative 1 Gallon (2 Pack) $52.50 $56.78 View details Prime Chef's Quality Alternative Liquid Butter 1 Gallon
4.6
(368) Chef's Quality Alternative Liquid Butter 1 Gallon $26.18 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cream

In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, vanilla sugar, cornstarch, and egg until smooth and without lumps.
Add the milk and place the saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat, add the butter, and stir until the butter is fully melted.
Blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth, then let it cool.

Step 2

Prepare and Bake the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry and cut into strips about 1 cm (0.5 inches) thick.
Join three strips at one end, braid them together, and then coil the braid into a spiral shape.
Place the spirals on a baking mat, brush with the egg yolk, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool.

Step 3

Assemble

Once the pastries and cream are both cooled, top each pastry with cream.
Decorate with freeze-dried strawberries and drizzle with chocolate if desired.

Servings

Ready to savor your creation? 🌟 Here are some delightful serving suggestions: These puff pastry cream delights make a perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea. 🫖 For a more indulgent experience, serve the pastries warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. 🍨 The contrast between the warm, crispy pastry and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine. Hosting a brunch or a get-together? These pastries look stunning on a tiered cake stand, adorned with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries. 🍓 Not only are they delicious, but they also add an elegant touch to your table. For a festive occasion, drizzle your pastries with melted chocolate or caramel and top with a choice of nuts, such as chopped pistachios or almonds, for a bit of extra crunch. 🍫 Don't forget to share the joy! Pack a few of these beauties in a charming box as a homemade gift 📦 they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Equipment

Saucepan

A medium-sized saucepan is ideal for preparing the cream. Make sure it has a thick bottom to evenly distribute heat.

We recommend:
Prime Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set with Lid, 1 Quart and 2 Quarts Multipurpose Pots Set for Home Kitchen or Restaurant (Grey-Black)
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(6,741) AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Strainer Lid, Two Side Spouts for Easy Pour with Ergonomic Handle, Multipurpose Sauce Pot (Tri-Ply Capsule Bottom, 2.5 Quart) $48.50 View details Prime Cuisinart 1-Quart Saucepan, Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized Saucepan w/Cover, 619-14
4.6
(10,515) Cuisinart 1-Quart Saucepan, Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized Saucepan w/Cover, 619-14 $19.95 View details
Whisk

You'll need a sturdy whisk to ensure the cream mixture is lump-free and smooth.

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
4.8
(22,752) OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk $10.93 $11.95 View details Prime best seller Walfos Silicone Whisk,Stainless Steel Wire Whisk Set of 3 -Heat Resistant 480°F Kitchen Whisks for Non-stick Cookware,Balloon Egg Beater Perfect for Blending,Whisking,Beating,Frothing & Stirring,Black
4.7
(9,797) Walfos Silicone Whisk,Stainless Steel Wire Whisk Set of 3 -Heat Resistant 480°F Kitchen Whisks for Non-stick Cookware,Balloon Egg Beater Perfect for Blending,Whisking,Beating,Frothing & Stirring,Black $11.89 $14.99 View details Prime Pack of 2 Danish Dough Whisk Blender Dutch Bread Whisk Hook Wooden Hand Mixer Sourdough Baking Tools for Cake Bread Pizza Pastry Biscuits Tool Stainless Steel Ring 13.5 inches 0.22 lb/pcs…
4.8
(8,757) Pack of 2 Danish Dough Whisk Blender Dutch Bread Whisk Hook Wooden Hand Mixer Sourdough Baking Tools for Cake Bread Pizza Pastry Biscuits Tool Stainless Steel Ring 13.5 inches 0.22 lb/pcs… $9.80 $14.99 View details
Immersion blender

This will help you achieve a silky-smooth cream. If you don’t have one, a regular blender will work as well.

We recommend:
Prime Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18 inches
4.7
(4,477) Vitamix Immersion Blender, Stainless Steel, 18 inches $169.95 View details Prime Braun MQ505 Portable Immersion Hand Blender,Powerful 350W Stick Blender,Dual Speed,Whisk,Beaker,Soup,Baby Food,Mixer,Hummus,Egg Beater,Smoothies
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(5,489) Braun MQ505 Portable Immersion Hand Blender,Powerful 350W Stick Blender,Dual Speed,Whisk,Beaker,Soup,Baby Food,Mixer,Hummus,Egg Beater,Smoothies $63.98 $69.95 View details Prime best seller OVENTE Electric Immersion Hand Blender 300 Watt 2 Mixing Speed with Stainless Steel Blades, Powerful Portable Easy Control Grip Stick Mixer Perfect for Smoothies, Puree Baby Food & Soup, Red HS560R
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Baking mat

A silicone baking mat will prevent the pastries from sticking and ensure even baking.

We recommend:
Prime Non-slip Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Large with Measurements 16''By 26'' for Silicone Baking Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat,Oven Liner,Fondant/Pie Crust Mat By Folksy Super Kitchen Red
4.8
(22,967) Non-slip Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Large with Measurements 16''By 26'' for Silicone Baking Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat,Oven Liner,Fondant/Pie Crust Mat By Folksy Super Kitchen Red $11.99 $16.99 View details Prime best seller Amazon Basics Silicone Non-Stick Food Safe Baking Mat, 2-Pack, New Beige/Gray, Rectangular, 16.5 x 11.6 inches
4.7
(116,209) Amazon Basics Silicone Non-Stick Food Safe Baking Mat, 2-Pack, New Beige/Gray, Rectangular, 16.5 x 11.6 inches $12.99 View details Prime Large Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Thick Non Stick Baking Mat with Measurement Fondant Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat, Oven Liner, Pie Crust Mat (L-16''(W)24''(L), Gold)
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(15,968) Large Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Thick Non Stick Baking Mat with Measurement Fondant Mat, Counter Mat, Dough Rolling Mat, Oven Liner, Pie Crust Mat (L-16''(W)24''(L), Gold) $8.98 View details
Pastry brush

Use this to apply the egg yolk on the pastries for that lovely golden-brown finish.

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush - Small
4.7
(11,555) OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting & Pastry Brush - Small $10.99 $13.81 View details Prime Silicone Basting Pastry Brush - Cooking Brush for Oil Sauce Butter Marinades, Food Brushes for BBQ Grill Kitchen Baking, Baster Brushes Baste Pastries Cakes Meat Desserts, Food Grade, Dishwasher Safe
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(12,383) Silicone Basting Pastry Brush - Cooking Brush for Oil Sauce Butter Marinades, Food Brushes for BBQ Grill Kitchen Baking, Baster Brushes Baste Pastries Cakes Meat Desserts, Food Grade, Dishwasher Safe $8.99 View details Prime best seller HOTEC 2 pieces Set Basting Brushes Silicone Heat Resistant Pastry Brushes Spread Oil Butter Sauce Marinades for BBQ Grill Barbecue Baking Kitchen Cooking BPA Free Dishwasher Safe (Classic Blue)
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Variations

Are you gluten-free or vegan? 🌱 Don't worry, we've got you covered! Gluten-Free Version: Replace the puff pastry with store-bought gluten-free puff pastry. Ensure all other ingredients, such as cornstarch, are certified gluten-free. Vegan Version: 1. Substitute the puff pastry with a vegan puff pastry. 2. For the cream, replace the egg with a mixture made from 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken). 3. Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat) instead of cow's milk. 4. Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative. *Note:* For brushing the pastries, use a bit of plant-based milk mixed with agave syrup instead of egg yolk. 🥛

Faq

  • How do I prevent my cream from clumping?

    Make sure to whisk continuously while cooking the cream and blend it with an immersion blender for a smooth finish.

  • Can I make the cream ahead of time?

    Absolutely! The cream can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

  • How can I keep the puff pastry crispy?

    Ensure the pastries are completely cool before adding the cream. If assembled too early, the moisture from the cream can make the pastry soggy.

  • Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

    Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for best results.

  • What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

    Use a regular blender or even a hand mixer to achieve a smooth cream.

  • Can I freeze the finished pastries?

    It's best to freeze the puff pastry before adding the cream. Once defrosted and crisped up in the oven, add the fresh cream before serving.

Nutrition facts

Vanilla Swirl Pastry
Recipe Yield:4 servings
Calories:Approximately 275 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):250 - 300
Total Fat:18g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:24g
Total Sugars:12g