This delightful Hungarian Kremes recipe brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your kitchen. A classic pastry dish, Kremes features layers of crisp, flaky pastry filled with a luscious vanilla custard cream. It’s a treat that’s perfect for impressing guests at a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon at home.
**Hungarian Kremes Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
For the pastry:
– 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the custard cream filling:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 egg yolks
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pastry:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– If using store-bought puff pastry, follow the package instructions for thawing. If making homemade puff pastry, roll out the pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
2. **Cut the Pastry:**
– Using a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into equal rectangular pieces, approximately 3×5 inches in size. Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each.
3. **Bake the Pastry:**
– Brush the pastry pieces with the beaten egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
4. **Make the Custard Cream Filling:**
– In a saucepan, heat the milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow in color.
5. **Combine Ingredients:**
– Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and comes to a boil.
6. **Add Flavor:**
– Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and softened butter until well combined. Let the custard cool slightly.
7. **Assemble the Kremes:**
– Place one pastry piece on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of the custard cream over it. Top with another pastry piece. Continue layering until all the pastries and custard are used.
8. **Chill and Slice:**
– Refrigerate the assembled Kremes for at least 2 hours or until the custard is set. Once chilled, slice the Kremes into individual portions and serve.
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Indulge in the buttery, flaky layers of pastry harmonizing with the silky smooth vanilla custard filling – Hungarian Kremes invites you to savor every delightful bite. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and cultural charm of Hungarian cuisine with this delectable pastry!
