Mini Millefoglie with Diplomatic Cream: A Delectable Italian Dessert
Transform your dessert table with these delightful Mini Millefoglie with Diplomatic Cream, an exquisite Italian creation perfect for three indulgent servings. These elegant, layered pastries combine crisp puff pastry, luscious diplomatic cream, and your choice of fresh strawberries or chocolate embellishments. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry | 230 g |
| Powdered sugar | 50 g |
| Fresh strawberries | 80 g |
| Dark chocolate | 80 g |
| White chocolate | 80 g |
| Whole milk | 250 g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 180 g |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Cornstarch (maizena) | 25 g |
| Granulated sugar | 75 g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Gelatin sheets | 2 g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Diplomatic Cream
The first step in crafting your mini millefoglie is to create the velvety diplomatic cream:
-
Heat the Milk:
Pour the whole milk into a small saucepan. Split the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the bean pod to the milk. Warm the mixture over low heat, ensuring it does not come to a boil. -
Mix the Egg Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until smooth and pale. Gradually incorporate the cornstarch, stirring until fully blended and lump-free. -
Combine the Mixtures:
Once the milk is hot (but not boiling), remove the vanilla pod and slowly pour the milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling. -
Cook the Cream:
Return the combined mixture to the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. -
Incorporate Gelatin:
Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until soft, then squeeze out excess water. Remove the custard from the heat and add the softened gelatin, stirring briskly until fully dissolved. -
Chill the Cream:
Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until completely chilled.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
-
Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 3 mm thick. -
Cut the Discs:
Use a 10 cm round cutter to stamp out 9 discs from the dough. -
Bake the Pastry:
Arrange the discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Bake in a preheated static oven at 195°C (383°F) for 15–20 minutes until the discs are golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely.
3. Assemble the Mini Millefoglie
3.1 Classic Millefoglie
- Pipe small dollops of the chilled diplomatic cream onto two puff pastry discs using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
- Stack the discs and finish with a final plain disc on top.
3.2 Strawberry Millefoglie
- Thinly slice the fresh strawberries, reserving one whole berry for decoration.
- Pipe dollops of cream onto two puff pastry discs. Arrange the strawberry slices neatly over one of the cream-covered discs.
- Top with the second cream-topped disc and another plain disc. Decorate with additional cream, a fan-shaped strawberry slice, and serve immediately.
3.3 Chocolate Millefoglie
- Shave dark and white chocolate into curls using a vegetable peeler.
- Pipe cream onto one disc and sprinkle with white chocolate curls.
- Add another disc, repeat with cream and dark chocolate curls, and finish with a plain disc. Decorate with more cream, chocolate curls, and mint leaves for a finishing touch.
Serving Tip
Mini millefoglie are best enjoyed immediately after assembly to preserve their delightful crunch and vibrant flavors. Pair them with espresso or a glass of Prosecco for a truly Italian experience.
Storage Suggestions
Store any unassembled components (cream and pastry) separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the pastries just before serving to ensure the puff pastry remains crisp.
Indulge in the artistry of these Mini Millefoglie with Diplomatic Cream, and let every bite transport you to a charming Italian pasticceria.
