Creams with puff pastry and walnut base
Delicious Creams with Puff Pastry and Walnut Base Recipe
Who doesn't love a dessert that combines crunchy textures with a smooth, flavorful cream? Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a recipe for Creams with puff pastry and walnut base, an elegant and refined dessert, perfect for any special occasion. This recipe will not only impress your guests but will also provide you with a moment of personal satisfaction in the kitchen.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
*For walnut base:*
- 6 egg whites
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 6 tablespoons flour
- Juice of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
*For vanilla cream:*
- 6 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 liter milk
- Juice of one lemon
- 150 g butter
*For puff pastry:*
- 800 g puff pastry (can be store-bought or homemade)
Step by Step
1. Preparing the walnut base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix until it becomes a shiny and fluffy foam.
Now, fold in the ground walnuts mixed with flour. It is important to use a spatula and to mix gently, from bottom to top, to avoid losing air from the foam. Once the mixture is homogeneous, pour it into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. After baking, let the base cool completely.
2. Baking the puff pastry
While the base cools, take care of the puff pastry. Grease a tray with a little butter and place the sheet of puff pastry. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until it becomes golden and crispy. Once ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack.
3. Preparing the vanilla cream
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with a little salt and sugar using a mixer. Continue mixing until they become frothy. Gradually add the flour and cornstarch, along with a little cold milk, constantly mixing to avoid lumps.
Put the remaining milk to boil in a pot. When it starts to boil, add the egg yolk mixture and stir continuously with a whisk until the cream thickens like a pudding. Add the lemon juice to intensify the flavor. Once the cream has thickened, cover the pot with a lid and let it cool.
When the cream is at room temperature, gradually add the butter, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.
4. Assembling the dessert
In the tray where you baked the puff pastry, place the first sheet of puff pastry, followed by a layer of vanilla cream, then the walnut base. Add another layer of cream, followed by the last sheet of puff pastry. Place a weight on top (you can use a smaller tray or a heavy jar) and refrigerate the dessert overnight to firm up and combine the flavors.
5. Serving
Before cutting the dessert, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can serve the Creams with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for a fluffier foam.
- Use fresh nuts for a more intense flavor and better texture.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can infuse the vanilla cream with a little almond extract or rum essence.
- You can vary the recipe by using other types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, instead of walnuts.
Nutritional Information
This recipe for Creams with puff pastry and walnut base is rich in protein due to the eggs and contains healthy fats from butter and nuts. Each serving has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the portion. It is an indulgent dessert but can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is an excellent choice for saving time.
2. How long can this dessert be kept?
The Creams keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but it is best if consumed fresh.
3. Can I freeze the Creams?
It is recommended not to freeze the assembled dessert, as the puff pastry may lose its crispy texture. You can freeze only the walnut base and the cream, and then assemble the dessert before serving.
4. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
The Creams pair well with a fruit tea or a sweet wine, such as a dessert wine. Additionally, a strong coffee can provide an excellent contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to cook this delicious Creams with puff pastry and walnut base. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the dessert with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 800 g puff pastry Walnut crust 6 egg whites 7 tablespoons sugar 8 tablespoons ground walnuts 6 tablespoons flour lemon juice a pinch of salt Vanilla cream 6 egg yolks 100 g sugar 4 tablespoons flour 3 tablespoons starch 1 l milk lemon juice 150 g butter
