Little boats with jam
The little boats with jam are the recipe I make when I need a quick dessert, without any hassle and with ingredients I usually have in the fridge. I've made it many times, especially when someone drops by unexpectedly or when I want something sweet but don't have time to knead. The process is quick, there's no need to plan much, just have puff pastry and some jam or fruit preserve on hand.
Quick Info
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Baking time: 10-20 minutes (depending on the oven)
Servings: about 15-20 pieces (depending on how big you cut the squares)
Difficulty: very easy
Recipe type: quick dessert, suitable for any occasion
Ingredients
1 package of puff pastry (usually about 400-500 g)
1 jar of jam (any kind you like)
300 g margarine (for greasing the pastry)
1 egg
1 packet of vanilla sugar
Cinnamon (to taste)
Preparation method
1. Take the puff pastry out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature so it doesn't crack when you unfold it. Roll it out on a work surface, on baking paper or a little flour if needed, until it's even.
2. Cut the pastry into squares. They don't have to be perfectly equal, but it's good to make them about the same size so they bake evenly.
3. Place a teaspoon of margarine on each square and spread it lightly. The margarine helps keep them tender and prevents the pastry from drying out during baking.
4. Put a teaspoon of jam in the center of each square. Don't put too much, or it will overflow while baking.
5. Pinch two opposite corners of the pastry and stick them together over the jam to form a kind of "boat".
6. Place the little boats on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Leave a little space between them, as they will rise while baking.
7. Put the tray in the oven at medium heat (170-180°C if you have an electric oven) and bake for 10-20 minutes. The time depends on the oven and how thick the pastry is. The little boats are done when they are golden brown around the edges.
8. In the meantime, beat an egg in a bowl, add the packet of vanilla sugar and a little cinnamon. Mix well.
9. When the little boats are golden, take them out of the oven and, while they are warm, brush them with the beaten egg mixed with sugar and cinnamon. Let them cool slightly before removing them from the tray.
Why I make this recipe often
This recipe saves any situation when I need something sweet quickly. It's versatile, works with any kind of jam or preserve, requires no planning, and is finished quickly. It's easy to make and doesn't dirty many dishes.
Tips and variations
Tips
Don't overload with jam so it doesn't overflow and stick too badly to the baking paper.
For safety, press the corners lightly when joining them.
If the pastry is too cold, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature so it doesn't break when you cut or shape it.
Substitutions
If you don't have margarine, you can use soft butter (not melted), but the texture will be slightly different.
Any kind of jam, preserve, or fruit compote works instead of jam, even drained compote if it's thick enough.
Variations
You can use cinnamon only if you like it; it's not mandatory.
The packet of vanilla sugar can be omitted or replaced with a little vanilla essence if you have it.
You can also sprinkle ground nuts over the jam for a different texture.
Serving ideas
You can serve them plain, with powdered sugar on top.
They are good alongside coffee or tea.
They can also be packed for later; they don't crumble easily after cooling.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pastry need to be completely thawed before use?
Yes, it needs to be thawed, but don't leave it too long at room temperature so it doesn't get too soft. You work with it easily when it's no longer hard in the middle.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter works too, but it will taste slightly different and be richer. If you only have butter on hand, feel free to use it.
Can the little boats be prepared in advance and baked later?
I don't recommend it because the puff pastry gets soft from the jam if it sits too long. It's best to assemble them and put them in the oven immediately.
What if I don't have baking paper?
You can grease the tray with a little margarine or butter, but it may stick if the jam overflows a lot. Baking paper is the safest option.
Can I keep them longer?
The little boats are best on the day you make them, but they can be kept for 1-2 days in a sealed box at room temperature.
Nutritional values
Estimate for one little boat (out of 20 pieces):
Calories: approximately 130 kcal
Proteins: 2 g
Fats: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Values vary depending on the type of puff pastry and jam used. They are not very diet-friendly, but not the richest pastries either. It's an estimate, not an exact calculation.
Storage and reheating
The little boats can be stored at room temperature in a sealed box for up to 2 days. They soften after a while and are not as good crunchy, but can still be eaten. I do not recommend reheating in the microwave, as they become soft. If you want to reheat them, the best way is to put them in the oven for a few minutes. The recipe is not designed for long-term storage.
Roll out the dough and cut it into squares. Take a teaspoon of margarine, spread it on the dough, and add a teaspoon of jam. Join two opposite corners. Place them on a baking tray (I used a baking sheet) and bake for 10-20 minutes. In the meantime, beat an egg, add a packet of sugar and a bit of cinnamon. When they are golden brown, brush them with egg and voila! :D
Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry 1 jar of marmalade 300 g of margarine 1 egg 1 packet of vanilla sugar cinnamon
