Pithiviers - Almond Cream Pie

Pithiviers - Almond Cream Pie

If you want to impress your family and friends with a dessert that combines the elegant texture of puff pastry with the rich aroma of almonds, the Pithiviers pie is the perfect choice! This delicacy, with deep roots in culinary history, has evolved over the years into a symbol of refinement and culinary art. So, let’s explore together how to prepare this wonderful almond cream pie, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

- 1 package of puff pastry (800 g)
- 140 g of butter, at room temperature
- 140 g of powdered sugar
- 140 g of finely ground almonds
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 2 eggs + 1 egg for brushing on top
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rum (or 1-2 drops of rum essence, to taste)
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- Optional: powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the pastry
Take the puff pastry out of the freezer about 1-2 hours before preparation and let it come to room temperature. It is important that the pastry is soft enough to be easily handled, but not so much that it becomes sticky.

Step 2: Preparing the almond cream
In a large bowl, cream the butter together with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar using a mixer or spatula until the mixture becomes a fluffy and airy cream. This step is essential to achieve a fine texture and rich flavor.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the rum and orange zest, continuing to mix. Finally, incorporate the flour and ground almonds, mixing until you obtain a thick and homogeneous cream.

Step 3: Forming the pie
From the two sheets of pastry, cut out two equal discs with a diameter of 26-28 cm. Place one disc on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or directly on your work surface, which you can easily move later.

In the center of the pastry disc, spread the almond cream, leaving a margin of about 2 cm. This margin is essential for sealing the pie, so don’t neglect it! Brush this margin with the beaten egg to help with proper sealing.

Place the second disc of pastry on top, pressing well with your fingers on the edges to ensure a good seal. Brush the pie with the beaten egg, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This time in the cold will help maintain the shape of the pie during baking.

Step 4: Decorating and baking
After an hour, take the pie out of the refrigerator. Brush it again with the beaten egg and, using a sharp knife, make a small hole in the center of the pie. Here, start drawing curved lines in the shape of an “S” on the surface of the pastry, being careful not to pierce the pastry completely, but just to deepen it slightly. This technique will allow steam to escape during baking, helping to create a light texture.

Preheat the oven to 230°C. Brush the pie again with the beaten egg, then move it using the parchment paper to the tray. Bake the pie for 10 minutes, until it starts to color slightly. After this interval, reduce the oven temperature to 200°C and continue baking for another 25 minutes or until the pie is golden brown and nicely risen.

Step 5: Cooling and serving
When the pie is ready, take the tray out of the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar on top if desired. Let it cool for a few hours; ideally, you should prepare it a day in advance to allow the cream to set well. When completely cool, slice the pie, and before serving, you can sprinkle more powdered sugar on top.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality almonds to achieve a more intense flavor. If you don’t have ground almonds, you can use a blender to turn them into powder, being careful not to turn them into paste.
- Vegan option: You can adapt this recipe by using vegan butter and replacing the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed or chia seeds for a similar texture.
- Powdered sugar: If you want a more sophisticated decoration, you can mix powdered sugar with a bit of cocoa or cinnamon to add a flavor note.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of pastry?
Yes, you can use tart dough or brioche dough, but the texture and flavor will be different. Puff pastry is the most suitable for this recipe.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You can consume it within 3-4 days.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the cream?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors such as roasted almonds, chocolate, or candied fruits, adding a personal touch to your recipe.

Delicious pairings

Pithiviers pairs wonderfully with vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or an aromatic tea can perfectly complement this elegant pie.

In conclusion, the Pithiviers pie is not just a dessert, but also a cooking experience that will enrich you with flavors, traditions, and stories. Each bite will transport you to a world of taste and refinement. So, enjoy every step of the preparation and let your creativity shine! Enjoy your meal!