Description
Delight in these Custard Almond Puff Pastry Pockets, a perfect European-inspired dessert featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. These golden-baked treats are easy to prepare and make an elegant sweet snack or dessert to serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1/2 cup custard (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Topping and Finishing
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into 4 equal rectangles to form the base of your pockets.
- Add Custard Filling: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of custard onto the center of each rectangle. For extra flavor, add a drop of almond extract to the custard if desired.
- Top with Almonds: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the custard filling on each rectangle for a delightful crunch.
- Form Pockets: Carefully fold each pastry rectangle over the custard and almonds to form a pocket. Use a fork to press and seal the edges securely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the tops of each pocket with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish. Then sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pockets to cool slightly after removing from the oven. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute custard with pastry cream or vanilla pudding for a quicker preparation.
- For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the filling.
- These pockets can be enjoyed warm right after baking or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
