Oh my goodness, if you’ve never had the sheer pleasure of sinking your teeth into a Pithiviers, you are in for a treat! This delightful French pastry is a natural showstopper, complete with a flaky golden crust that cradles a luscious, flavorful filling. I remember the first time I had a Pithiviers; I had just returned from a trip to France, where I stumbled upon a charming little patisserie. It was love at first bite! The combination of textures and flavors is simply mesmerizing.
What makes Pithiviers unique is its puff pastry dough, combined with a sweet or savory filling—usually almond cream, but you can get creative! It’s a nod to France’s rich culinary tradition and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fanciful tea party or a cozy family dinner. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. Let’s grab our aprons and get to it!
What’s in Pithiviers?
Puff Pastry: The heart and soul of this dish! You can make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous, but to save time, I usually go for a high-quality store-bought version. Look for a brand that uses real butter for the best results.
Almond Flour: This finely ground nut adds a rich, nutty flavor to the filling. I prefer to use blanched almond flour for its light texture. It’s usually found in the baking aisle of any grocery store.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in making the almond cream deliciously indulgent. I recommend using granulated sugar, but you can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Butter: It’s a classic for a reason! Unsalted butter is what you want here—it will give your filling a lovely creaminess and keep things balanced.
Eggs: These are essential for adding richness to the filling and acting as a binder. Plus, they give your pastry that lovely golden color once baked!
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the filling. I love using pure vanilla extract—you can really taste the difference!
Milk or Cream: To add moisture and richness to the almond filling, a splash of milk or cream works wonders. I often lean toward heavy cream for an even thicker texture.
Is Pithiviers Good for You?
Ah, this is a delicious yet fantastically indulgent pastry, and while it holds some health benefits, moderation is key.
Almond Flour: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it also brings a good amount of protein to the table. So, I feel a tad justified when I indulge!
Butter and Sugar: Now, let’s be honest—while they taste divine, they do add up the calories! Enjoying a small slice with a cup of tea every now and then is perfectly fine, but try not to go overboard.
Eggs: Don’t forget that eggs are also packed with protein, and are a great source of nutrients like B vitamins and selenium.
All things considered, a Pithiviers can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed occasionally. Just remember to savor every bite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Pithiviers (serves 8):
– 1 package of puff pastry (two sheets)
– 1 cup almond flour
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs (1 for the filling and 1 for glaze)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
– A pinch of salt
How to Make Pithiviers?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Filling**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, softened butter, one egg, vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. **Roll Out the Pastry**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry to about a 12-inch circle. Place it on your prepared baking sheet.
4. **Add the Filling**: Spread the almond filling in the center of the pastry, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Make sure to leave enough room for the edges to seal!
5. **Top with the Second Circle**: Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and gently place it over the filling.
6. **Seal the Edges**: Press down the edges to seal, and then use a fork to crimp them for a decorative touch. With a sharp knife, make small slits in the top to allow steam to escape and to make it look pretty.
7. **Egg Wash**: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the pastry, giving it that beautiful golden finish.
8. **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
9. **Cool and Serve**: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature to really savor the flavors!
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
If you want to mix things up, why not try a fruit filling like raspberry or cherry along with the almond? You can even sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist!
Pithiviers makes a stunning centerpiece dessert, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Trust me, your friends and family will be RAVING about it!
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Honestly, there’s something so satisfying about creating a little pastry magic in your own kitchen. Try it out and let me know your twists on this classic, or if you happen to stumble upon any delightful memories while enjoying it. Happy baking!