Apple sheets with vanilla cream

Apple and Vanilla Cream Pastry

Welcome to the delightful world of desserts! Today, I will share with you a recipe for a dessert that masterfully combines the crispy texture of pastry sheets with the fragrant sweetness of apples and the creaminess of a fine vanilla cream. These apple and vanilla cream pastries are not just a simple dessert; they are a taste experience that will delight any sweet lover. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the pastry sheets (pan size 24 x 37 cm):
- 18 tablespoons sparkling water
- 18 tablespoons oil
- 15 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of one orange
- 700-750 g flour

Apple filling:
- 1.5 kg apples
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter

A Brief History

Apple and vanilla cream pastries are a classic dessert cherished in many cultures. This dish combines simple yet flavorful ingredients and has evolved over time into a family recipe, often prepared for holidays or special occasions. The aroma of caramelized apples and vanilla creates a symphony of flavors that reminds us of childhood and moments spent around the table, enjoying a homemade dessert.

Preparing the Pastry Sheets

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sparkling water, oil, sugar, and orange zest. Using a whisk, mix gently until the sugar partially dissolves. This will add a wonderful flavor and a hint of freshness to the pastry sheets.

2. Forming the dough: Sift the flour into another bowl and add the baking powder. Gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid mixture, stirring continuously until you obtain a smooth, moldable dough, similar to playdough. It is essential not to add all the flour at once to control the dough's consistency.

3. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. These will form the four base sheets for the pastry. Cover each piece with a damp towel to prevent drying.

4. Rolling out the sheets: Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough as thin as possible without tearing. Place the first sheet in the prepared pan, which you have greased with butter and lined with parchment paper.

5. Baking the sheets: Prick the sheet with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, until the sheet turns lightly golden. Repeat the process for the other 3 sheets.

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples, peel them, and grate them using a large grater. It is important to use sweet and aromatic apples to achieve a delicious filling.

2. Caramelizing the apples: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the grated apples and sugar. Squeeze the juice from the apples between your palms and add it to the saucepan. It will turn into a delicious nectar!

3. Cooking the apples: Stir continuously until the liquid evaporates completely, and the apples become soft. Finally, add the cinnamon and stir for another 2 minutes. Let it cool.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Initial mixture: In a bowl, combine the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla bean powdered sugar. Use a whisk to mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

2. Incorporating the cornstarch: Thin the mixture with a little milk, then add the cornstarch. Mix well to avoid lumps.

3. Cooking the cream: In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk. When it begins to boil, incorporate the cornstarch mixture. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until the cream thickens, having the consistency of pudding. Finally, add the butter and stir until it melts, then flavor with the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Pastry

1. Layer of pastry and apples: Place the first sheet on a serving platter, then evenly spread half of the cooled apple filling.

2. Vanilla cream: Add the second sheet and pour the hot vanilla cream over it, spreading it evenly.

3. Last layer of apples: Place the remaining apples on top and finally cover with the last sheet. It is important that each layer is well distributed to ensure an even texture.

4. Pressing: Place a heavy object, such as a wooden board, over the pastry to press it down and help the sheets soften. Leave the pastry in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld and the sheets to become soft and flavorful.

Serving

After allowing the pastry to cool and rest, cut it into servings and serve it with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. The warm aroma of caramelized apples and vanilla cream will create a perfect contrast with the cold ice cream, offering an unforgettable taste experience.

Helpful Tips

- Variations of apples: You can add some dried fruits or nuts to the apple filling to add texture and extra flavor.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
- Vanilla cream: Experiment with flavors by adding a little almond or orange extract for a distinct note.

Nutritional Information

This pastry has an approximate caloric content of about 290 calories per serving, but this may vary depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of carbohydrates from flour and fruits, as well as healthy fats from butter. Apples provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dessert a healthier option than many other pastries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, and the flavors will be just as delicious.
2. How can I store the pastry? Keep the pastry in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It will become even tastier as the flavors intensify.
3. Can I freeze the pastry? It is recommended to freeze only the sheets; the apple filling and vanilla cream do not freeze well.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This recipe for apple and vanilla cream pastries will surely become one of your favorites. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones! Bon appétit!