Nutella Banana Puff Pastry With Almonds

Nutella Banana Puff Pastry with Almonds

Table of Contents

- 280g puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 100g Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)

- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 50g almonds, roughly chopped or sliced

If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, let it thaw according to the package instructions. Ensure it’s pliable but not too soft.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle or square, depending on your desired shape. You want the pastry to be around 3-4mm thick.

- Take 100g of Nutella and spread it evenly across the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-2cm (0.5 inch) border on all sides to help seal the edges when folded.

Make sure the Nutella layer is even, not too thick, to prevent spilling out during baking.

- Slice the banana thinly and arrange the slices over the Nutella-covered pastry. Spread them out evenly, leaving enough space between slices to ensure each bite has a good mix of flavors.
- Sprinkle the 50g of chopped or sliced almonds over the bananas. The almonds will add a delightful crunch to contrast with the creamy Nutella and soft banana.

- Depending on the shape of your puff pastry, you can either:
  1. Fold it in half like a turnover or calzone, or
  2. Roll it up like a strudel or pastry roll. Both methods will work, and it depends on your aesthetic preference.

Once folded or rolled, use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing the pastry tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to apply an even coat of egg wash over the surface of the puff pastry. This will give it a lovely golden-brown finish once baked.

- Transfer the puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Once the pastry is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

- Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Serve warm with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

1. Puff Pastry Temperature: Ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable when working with it. If it gets too warm, it may become sticky and hard to manage. Pop it in the fridge for a few minutes if needed.
2. Avoid Overfilling: Be mindful not to overload the pastry with Nutella, banana, or almonds. While it’s tempting to stuff it full, too much filling can cause leaks and affect the texture of the pastry.

Experiment with Fillings: While Nutella and banana are a classic combination, you can easily swap out the banana for berries, apples, or pears, and even try different spreads like peanut butter or caramel.
Almond Varieties: Use sliced almonds if you prefer a delicate crunch or chopped almonds for a heartier texture. You can also lightly toast the almonds beforehand to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions: For a truly decadent experience, serve this pastry warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.