Lemon Cream Pastry Delights

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 of rectangular puff pastry
For the cream:
- - 400 ml (2 cups) milk
  - 4 egg yolks
- - Zest of one lemon
  - 90 g (1/3 cup) sugar
  - 30 g (2 tablespoons) cornstarch
- 200 ml (1 cup) pre-sweetened whipping cream

Directions:

- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.

- Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon zest until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the cornstarch and mix well.

- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.

- In a separate bowl, whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled lemon mixture until well combined.
- Cut the baked puff pastry squares in half horizontally.

Spread a generous amount of the lemon cream mixture onto the bottom half of each pastry square.
Place the top half of the pastry square over the cream to create a sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, these pastries can be ready in under an hour. This makes them ideal for last-minute guests or when you need a quick dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste.
2. Versatile: These pastries are customizable. While lemon zest is used here, you could easily substitute orange or lime zest for a different twist. Additionally, the cream can be flavored with vanilla or almond extract to suit different palates.

Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a festive celebration, a family dinner, or just a sweet treat to end the day, these pastries fit perfectly. They’re as suitable for a formal event as they are for a cozy family dessert.

Health Considerations

While Lemon Cream Pastry Delights are undoubtedly a treat, there are ways to adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs:

Reduced Sugar: You can decrease the amount of sugar in the cream or use a sugar substitute to cater to those with sugar sensitivities or who are watching their caloric intake.
Gluten-Free Option: For those who avoid gluten, gluten-free puff pastry can be used as an alternative. Ensure that the other ingredients are gluten-free by checking labels, especially the cornstarch, as some brands may include additives that contain gluten.

Serving Suggestions

- Serving Temperature: These pastries are delicious whether served warm or at room temperature. Serving them slightly warm enhances the creaminess of the filling and the flaky texture of the pastry.
- Accompaniments: Pair these delights with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an extra touch of elegance. For a refreshing complement, serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream.
- Presentation: For an impressive presentation, dust the pastries lightly with powdered sugar or garnish with a thin slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.

Storing Tips

Lemon Cream Pastry Delights are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, reheat briefly in the oven before serving to crisp up the pastry.