Napoleons –Napoleons, also known as mille-feuille, are a classic French pastry that delights with its delicate layers and creamy filling. This delightful dessert is perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon. Below, you will find an easy guide to creating these heavenly pastries right in your own kitchen.
Napoleons
Indulge in the rich layers of flaky pastry and creamy goodness that make Napoleons a true culinary delight. Here’s how to make them!
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: melted chocolate or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into equal rectangles, approximately 3×5 inches.
- Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick each rectangle with a fork to prevent puffing too much during baking.
- Bake the pastry rectangles for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, flour, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the cream mixture to cool before assembling the Napoleons. Once cool, you can start adding the filling between the layers of pastry.
- To assemble, take one piece of pastry and add a generous spoonful of the cream mixture on top. Place another pastry layer over the cream, and repeat this process until you have three layers.
- Top your final Napoleon with a dusting of powdered sugar. If you prefer, drizzle melted chocolate or icing on top for an extra touch of elegance.
- Refrigerate the assembled Napoleons for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Enjoy your homemade Napoleons as a delightful finish to any meal or as a sincere treat for yourself. Bon appétit!