Description
Delightful classic French napoleon showcases layers of buttery puff pastry nestled with silky custard and airy whipped cream. Crisp, golden pastry and creamy filling create a luxurious dessert perfect for elegant gatherings or sweet personal indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (130 milliliters) water
- Pinch of salt
Custard Cream Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup (200 milliliters) milk
- 3 tablespoons (40 grams) sugar
- 2 tablespoons (20 grams) flour
Whipped Cream Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup (150 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sugar
Instructions
- Craft a rich, buttery dough by heating water, butter, and salt in a saucepan until boiling. Vigorously stir in flour until a compact, glossy ball forms.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly, then incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Transfer the dough to a piping bag or use a spoon to shape onto a baking sheet, creating uniform pastry shells.
- Bake at 200°C for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 180°C for 20 minutes, and finally lower to 160°C for an additional 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- While pastries cool, prepare custard by whisking egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Blend in flour until fully incorporated.
- Gently heat milk until it reaches a gentle simmer, then gradually stream into the yolk mixture while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
- Return the custard to the stove, cooking and stirring constantly until it thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Whip cream with sugar until stiff, voluminous peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
- Once pastry shells have cooled, carefully slice horizontally. Generously fill the bottom half with custard cream.
- Top the custard with a lavish layer of whipped cream, then gently place the pastry lid on top.
- Optionally, dust the assembled pastries with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Achieve Silky Smooth Dough by ensuring butter is fully melted and whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Maintain Crispy Pastry Texture by keeping oven door closed during initial baking and using precise temperature stages.
- Prevent Custard Curdling by slowly incorporating hot milk into egg mixture and stirring constantly while cooking.
- Optimize Whipped Cream Volume by using cold utensils, chilled cream, and stopping whipping exactly when stiff peaks form.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg