This Fruit and Vanilla Cream Pastry combines flaky puff pastry layers with a rich vanilla cream and a vibrant fruit filling, creating a dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful. The puff pastry bakes into golden, crispy layers that provide a perfect contrast to the creamy, luxurious vanilla filling. The addition of tart cherries or mixed berries adds a burst of freshness and slightly tangy flavor, making this pastry a well-rounded treat.
Why You'll Love This:
This pastry is ideal for those who enjoy the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The smooth vanilla cream is rich and comforting, while the fruit layer introduces a refreshing and slightly acidic touch that cuts through the richness. The puff pastry's buttery crispness rounds out the experience, ensuring each bite has crunch, creaminess, and fruitiness. It's a versatile dessert that can be adapted to various fruits depending on the season or personal preference.
Perfect Occasion:
This layered pastry is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering. It's also suitable for high tea events or as a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties. Whether it's a casual family gathering or a more formal event, this dessert is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and exquisite taste.
Decoration Tips:
For a stunning presentation, dust the top pastry layer with powdered sugar just before serving. This not only adds a sweet finish but also gives the pastry a beautiful, snow-dusted look. If you're serving this at a gathering, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or additional fresh berries alongside each slice for added color and freshness.
Ingredients:
- 500g puff pastry (two sheets, 250g each)
- For the vanilla cream:
- 1.5 liters of milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar (40g)
- 200g granulated sugar
- 180g cornstarch
- 100g butter or margarine, at room temperature
- 500ml heavy cream
- For the fruit layer:
- 400g frozen cherries or mixed berries
- 100g granulated sugar
- 30g cornstarch
- 100ml water
- Additional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Roll out each puff pastry sheet to approximately 40 x 28 cm. Place on a baking sheet, prick with a fork, and bake at 220°C (428°F) for about 15 minutes or until golden. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Vanilla Cream:
- Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar for one minute. Mix in about 200ml of milk, cornstarch, and vanilla, and whisk for another minute.
- Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan. Once it boils, reduce heat, and slowly incorporate the yolk mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for a few minutes until thickened, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature.
- Fruit Layer:
- Combine the fruit, sugar, and half the water in a saucepan. Mix the remaining water with cornstarch. Once the fruit mixture boils, add the cornstarch mixture, stir, and cook for two minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Final Assembly:
- Whip the butter into the cooled vanilla cream, then gradually mix in the heavy cream until smooth.
- In a deep baking dish or mold, place one layer of baked puff pastry. Spread half of the vanilla cream over it, then the fruit layer, followed by the remaining vanilla cream.
- Top with the second pastry sheet and dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy this luxurious Fruit and Vanilla Cream Pastry, a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and fruity elements that come together to create a truly delightful dessert experience!