Description
Delight in these Custard Almond Puff Pastry Pockets, a luscious French-inspired dessert featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth almond and vanilla custard blend, topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a sweet glaze for an irresistible bakery-style treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup vanilla custard or pastry cream
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles ensuring even pockets.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the almond paste with the vanilla custard until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy almond custard filling.
- Fill the Pastry: Place about a tablespoon of the almond custard mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle, being careful not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
- Shape the Pockets: Fold each pastry rectangle over the filling to form a pocket (either rectangular or triangular), then seal the edges firmly by pressing with the tines of a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pastry with this wash, then sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar for a crunchy, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the prepared pockets on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: While the pastries bake, combine powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a bowl and whisk until smooth for the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the custard filling is not too runny to prevent leakage while baking.
- You may use store-bought vanilla custard or prepare it in advance for convenience.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking; reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Handle the puff pastry gently to maintain its flaky texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almond paste and almonds, substituting with a different filling of choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
