Lemon Cream Pastry Delights
A delicate puff pastry layered with golden flakiness and filled with velvety lemon cream — this dessert is comfort and elegance rolled into one. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these pastries bring a hint of French patisserie charm to your table with surprisingly little effort.
✨ Ingredients
| Component | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 1 rectangular sheet | Store-bought works perfectly; homemade adds an artisanal touch. |
| Milk | 400 ml (2 cups) | Use whole milk for a creamy texture. |
| Egg Yolks | 4 yolks | Save the whites for meringue or omelets. |
| Lemon Zest | Zest of 1 lemon | Freshly grated for bright, aromatic flavor. |
| Sugar | 90 g (1/3 cup) | Adjust based on sweetness preference. |
| Cornstarch | 30 g (2 tbsp) | Thickens smoothly without affecting taste. |
| Whipping Cream | 200 ml (1 cup), sweetened | Or whip plain cream with sugar to taste. |
🥐 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat: Set oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Shape: Roll out the pastry and cut into equal squares or rectangles.
- Bake: Arrange on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Lemon Cream
- Infuse: Heat milk with lemon zest until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk: In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring until thick and silky. Cool completely.
- Whip: Beat cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten if needed.
- Fold: Gently mix the whipped cream into the cooled custard until airy and smooth.
3. Assemble the Pastries
- Slice: Cut each baked pastry in half horizontally.
- Fill: Spoon the lemon cream onto the bottom half.
- Top: Gently place the upper half on top.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Temperature: Serve slightly warm for a softer, melt-in-mouth filling, or at room temperature for a more classic finish.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle lemon zest, or top with mint leaves or a lemon twist.
- Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of lemon sorbet, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
- Perfect For: Afternoon tea, festive gatherings, or cozy nights in.
🧁 Tips & Variations
- Pastry Care: Keep dough chilled before baking to ensure perfect layers.
- Zesting Tip: Only use the yellow peel to avoid bitterness.
- Smooth Custard: Stir continuously and strain if needed for a flawless texture.
- Taste Check: Adjust sugar before folding in whipped cream for balance.
- Flavor Variations: Swap lemon for lime or orange zest, or add a hint of vanilla extract for extra warmth.
