Pudding Croissants

Puff Pastries with Pudding: A Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

It has often been said that the joy of cooking lies in the ability to transform simple ingredients into dishes that bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Today, I invite you to discover a captivating recipe for puff pastries with pudding, a dessert that will take you on an unforgettable taste journey. These fluffy pastries, filled with creamy pudding, are perfect whenever you feel the need to indulge or bring a touch of happiness to those around you.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 260 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 70 g sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 75 g margarine (or butter for a richer flavor)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 10 g dry yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for added richness)
- Zest of one orange (for a citrus fragrance)
- 1-2 drops of orange essence (optional, for enhancing flavors)

For the filling:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding (or any other preferred flavor)
- 300 ml milk (used instead of 500 ml for a denser consistency)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)

How to prepare puff pastries with pudding

1. Preparing the yeast mixture
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 25 g of fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and enough warm milk to create a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and add the pinch of salt, remaining sugar, orange zest, and orange essence. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the risen yeast mixture. Add 75 g of melted margarine (but not hot) and 260 ml of warm milk. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Letting it rise
Form a ball from the dough and brush it with a little oil to prevent drying out. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package, using only 300 ml of milk instead of 500 ml to achieve a denser consistency. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool.

5. Shaping the pastries
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Use a plate to cut circles from the dough. Each circle will be divided into 4 triangles. On each triangle, make a small cut at the base, place a tablespoon of pudding in the center, and carefully roll it up, starting from the wide end.

Another option is to form balls from the dough, roll them into an oval shape, make a cut in the middle, and place the filling in the other half. Carefully roll it up and place the pastries on a tray.

6. Baking
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand. Brush them with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny crust. Bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

7. Final indulgence
After baking, let the pastries cool slightly in the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack. These pastries are best served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and a touch of sweetness.

Useful tips for perfect results

- Make sure the milk used for the dough is warm. If it is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- Experiment with different pudding flavors, such as cocoa or chocolate, to create pastries with varied fillings.
- If you want an extra crunch, you can add a little coconut to the filling.
- For an elegant serving, pair the pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, using butter will add a richer flavor, but make sure it is at room temperature before adding it to the dough.

2. How can I store the pastries?
The pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for later use.

3. Can I make the pastries a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastries a day in advance and bake them just before serving.

4. What drinks pair well with these pastries?
Puff pastries with pudding pair perfectly with fruit tea, a creamy cappuccino, or even a glass of cold milk.

Nutrition and calories

Each pastry has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These pastries are a good source of carbohydrates, and the pudding filling provides protein and calcium from the milk. Additionally, the orange zest adds antioxidants and vitamins, offering extra nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, puff pastries with pudding are not only a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to connect with loved ones through cooking. The indulgence these pastries bring will transform any moment into something special. Don’t forget to experiment and share this recipe with friends and family to spread the joy of cooking!