Williamsburg Almond Puff Pastry Recipe: A Delightful Breakfast or Brunch Treat
This Williamsburg Almond Puff Pastry is a charming, delicate dessert inspired by the Candlewick Bed and Breakfast in Williamsburg, Virginia. With its rich, buttery flavor and the sweet aroma of almond extract, this pastry offers a delightful twist for breakfast, brunch, or even as a mid-afternoon snack. Perfect for those who love baking and want to impress their guests, it’s an easy yet elegant pastry to prepare. With a soft, flaky crust enveloping a rich almond filling, finished with a creamy frosting, it’s a showstopper at any table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Cold water | 1 tbsp |
| Water (for filling) | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter (for filling) | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour (for filling) | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Unsalted butter (for frosting) | 1 tbsp |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 894.4 kcal |
| Fat | 59.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 36 g |
| Cholesterol | 304.1 mg |
| Sodium | 445.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 78.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 30.3 g |
| Protein | 11.9 g |
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for small gatherings or a special treat for the family.
Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Pastry
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Make the Pastry Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling small crumbs or pebbles. This step is essential for achieving the flakiness of the pastry. If you have a pastry cutter, you can use that to speed up the process, but your hands will work just as well. -
Add Cold Water:
Sprinkle the cold water over the flour-butter mixture. Mix gently until the dough begins to form a ball. The cold water helps the dough come together while ensuring the butter remains solid, contributing to the flaky texture. -
Divide and Shape the Dough:
Split the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, gently press each dough section into a strip that is approximately 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Place these strips 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Making the Almond Filling
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Prepare the Filling:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the almond extract. This will infuse the butter with a sweet almond flavor. -
Add Flour and Eggs:
Add the flour to the butter-water mixture and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken. Now, gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help form a smooth, velvety filling. -
Assemble the Pastries:
Spoon the almond filling over the two dough strips, spreading it evenly. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to enclose it. Seal the edges with a little water to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Baking the Pastries
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Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled pastry strips into the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. The crust should be flaky, and the filling will be slightly puffed and set. -
Cool:
Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set further and the pastry to firm up to perfection.
Preparing the Frosting
- Make the Frosting:
While the pastry cools, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. The frosting should have a spreadable consistency—if it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Final Touches
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Frost the Pastry:
Once the pastries have cooled to room temperature, generously spread the frosting over the top of each one. The frosting will melt slightly into the warm pastry, adding a creamy finish to the flaky layers below. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pastries into serving-sized portions, and serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a perfect start to your day.
Tips for Success
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Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes before shaping it. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a flaky texture.
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Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and water are key to achieving a light and flaky pastry. Ensure that your butter is chilled before starting the recipe.
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Customize the Filling: If you prefer a different flavor, you can experiment with extracts like vanilla or hazelnut. However, almond extract is the traditional choice for this recipe, giving it a distinctive and comforting flavor.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and almond filling ahead of time. Keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to a day, and store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
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Storage: Leftover pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked pastries before adding the frosting. To bake, simply freeze, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Williamsburg Almond Puff Pastry is perfect for any special occasion or as a weekend breakfast treat. Its delicate almond flavor combined with a flaky, buttery pastry and creamy frosting creates a balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy both sweet and savory palates. The relatively simple ingredients and straightforward method make it approachable even for beginner bakers. This pastry offers a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance to your morning or brunch spread.
Make it for a holiday breakfast, a gathering with friends, or as a comforting weekend treat. No matter the occasion, this delightful pastry will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Enjoy this delicious Williamsburg Almond Puff Pastry, brought to you by Love with Recipes!
