Lemon Cream Pastry Delights
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A tender puff pastry filled with silky lemon cream—this dessert is pure comfort wrapped in golden layers. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply savoring a quiet evening, these pastries bring a touch of pâtisserie magic to your table with minimal effort.
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✨ Ingredients
| Component | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 1 rectangular sheet | Store-bought is fine; homemade adds a personal touch. |
| Milk | 400 ml (2 cups) | Full-fat for richness. |
| Egg Yolks | 4 yolks | Save whites for meringue or omelets. |
| Lemon Zest | Zest of 1 lemon | Freshly grated for vibrant flavor. |
| Sugar | 90 g (1/3 cup) | Adjust to taste. |
| Cornstarch | 30 g (2 tbsp) | Thickens without altering flavor. |
| Whipping Cream | 200 ml (1 cup), pre-sweetened | Or use plain cream and sweeten to taste. |
🥐 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat Oven: Set to 200°C (390°F).
- Shape Pastry: Roll out and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Bake: Place on parchment-lined tray and bake 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Cream
- Infuse Milk: Heat milk with lemon zest until gently boiling. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: Beat yolks and sugar until pale. Add cornstarch and mix until smooth.
- Combine & Cook: Slowly whisk warm milk into egg mixture. Return to saucepan and stir over medium heat until thick and creamy. Cool completely.
- Whip Cream: Beat until stiff peaks form. Sweeten if using plain cream.
- Fold Together: Gently combine whipped cream with cooled lemon custard for a light, luscious filling.
3. Assemble the Pastries
- Slice Pastry: Halve each square horizontally.
- Fill: Spoon lemon cream onto bottom halves.
- Top: Place the upper halves gently over the filling.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Temperature: Serve warm for a softer filling or room temp for a classic texture.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar, lemon zest, mint, or a lemon slice.
- Pairings: Add whipped cream, lemon sorbet, or raspberry coulis for extra flair.
- Occasions: Ideal for tea parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
🧁 Tips & Variations
- Pastry Handling: Keep chilled until use to prevent stickiness.
- Zest Smart: Avoid the bitter white pith.
- Cream Consistency: Whisk constantly to avoid lumps; strain if needed.
- Sweetness Check: Taste before folding in whipped cream—adjust sugar if needed.
- Flavor Twists: Try vanilla extract or swap lemon zest for orange or lime.
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