A delicious and elegant dessert made with flaky puff pastry, creamy custard, and rich hazelnut cream. Perfect for any occasion!
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Pastries
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Brown sugar (for sprinkling)
- A bit of milk (for brushing)
Custard
- 1 egg
- 50 g icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 500 ml milk
Filling
- Hazelnut cream
Directions
1. Prepare the Custard
- Heat the milk: In a saucepan, warm 500 ml of milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, icing sugar, and corn starch until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook the custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and begins to bubble.
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Pastries
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 180°C (360°F).
- Roll and cut: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or desired shapes.
- Add filling: Place a spoonful of hazelnut cream in the centre of each square, then spoon some cooled custard over the top.
- Seal and brush: Fold the pastry to form a pocket and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush with milk and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake: Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm, straight from the oven.
- Dust with extra icing sugar.
- Enjoy with coffee or tea.
Cooking Tips
- Stir custard constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavour.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: High in protein and essential nutrients.
- Milk: Excellent source of calcium and vitamin D.
- Hazelnuts: Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy and eggs.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to restore crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- A decadent blend of rich, creamy, and flaky textures
- Ideal for holidays, brunch, or an afternoon treat
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, it saves time, but homemade custard offers fresher flavour.
2. Can I use another filling instead of hazelnut cream?
Absolutely—try chocolate spread, almond butter, or your favourite nut butter.
3. How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Ensure your custard is thick, and don’t overfill the pastry.
4. Can I freeze the pastries before baking?
Yes! Assemble, freeze, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
5. What puff pastry should I use?
Either homemade or a high-quality store-bought version works well.