The rich and delectable Italian pastry cream, also known as crema pasticcera or crema italiana, is a luscious culinary masterpiece that has captivated dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Its creamy and velvety texture, combined with its symphony of flavors, makes it a versatile ingredient that can elevate any pastry or sweet treat to new heights of indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, embarking on the journey to create the perfect Italian pastry cream can be a delightful and rewarding experience. In this guide, we'll explore the secrets behind crafting this culinary gem, providing you with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations to create a smooth, luscious, and unforgettable Italian pastry cream that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PASTICCIERA CREAM (ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM )
This is a basic recipe for Italian pastry cream which is used as a filling for many cakes and pastries. The chocolate pastry cream is made from this same base, with the addition of the chocolate. Depending on the recipe you are going to use the pastry cream for, you may prefer to omit the lemon rind. Here are the recipes for the basic and chocolate variety. Prep/Cook times do not include chilling time.
Provided by Dee514
Categories Dessert
Time 20m
Yield 2 1/2 Cups (approx)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place sugar, egg yolks flour, lemon rind (if using it), and vanilla in a sauce pan and mix together well.
- In a separate sauce pan, scald milk.
- Very slowly pour milk over egg yolk mixture, in a thin stream, beating constantly with rotary beater.
- Continue cooking on low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until mixture reaches the boiling point.
- Cook 4 minutes longer, stirring constantly.
- (**At this point, if making chocolate pasticciera cream, add chocolate and while stirring, cook 1 minute longer.) Remove pan from heat, add butter and mix well.
- Pour into bowl and let cool, stir occasionally to prevent skin from forming over the top.
- If using as a cake/pastry filling, chill (with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming) until very thick at least 3-4 hours.
- For Chocolate Pasticciera Cream: **Add grated chocolate to cooked pasticciera cream and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly, until chocolate is blended well.
- Cool/chill before using as a cake/pastry filling.
CREMA PASTICCERA (ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM) FOR BOMBOLONI
Categories Egg
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Crema Pasticcera {Italian Pastry Cream} In a small saucepan bring milk, vanilla bean, and vanilla bean seeds just to the boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover and let steep 10 to 12 minutes. In a large bowl, using a large hand whisk, cream together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Add the flour and whisk to well combine. Gradually, in a steady stream, add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture; whisking constantly until well combined. Return the milk-egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain Crema Pasticcera through a fine mesh sieve into a 20-cm (8 inch) square dish or 23 X 33 cm (9 X13 inch) rectangular dish. Discard solids. (A little tip for you - I remove the vanilla bean; give it a quick rinse and then allow it to dry and use it when I am making syrups or compotes (gives the compote or syrup a hint of vanilla taste) or I also place the vanilla bean in a mason jar (a large one because I continue to add beans and top with more sugar as I go along) with sugar and make my own vanilla sugar (make sure the vanilla bean is completely dry before storing with sugar.) (This time I saved the vanilla bean and used it to make my stems for decorating the completed Pesche.) Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto Crema Pasticcera to prevent a skin from forming while cooling. When Crema Pasticcera has completely cooled place in refrigerator to chill until ready to fill cookies.
ITALIAN PASTRY CREAM RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by á-46071
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Crema pasticcera is not difficult to make, though it does require care and attention lest it curdle. Fernanda Gosetti, author of Il Dolcissimo, suggests you use a copper pot because it conducts heat better, and adds that if you make crema pasticcera frequently you should invest in a round-bottomed pot because its entire contents will be accessible to the whisk or spoon. She also notes that the crema should be transferred to a bowl as soon as it's ready, because it will continue to cook in the pot. The quantities given above can easily be expanded or reduced. Set all but 1/2 cup of the milk to warm over a slow burner with the vanilla bean. In the meantime, lightly whisk the yolks in a bowl to break them. Strain the flour into the bowl, whisking gently, and making sure that no lumps form. Whisk in the sugar too, and then the remaining half cup of milk, keeping a wary eye for lumps. By this time the milk on the stove will be about ready to boil. Fish out and discard the vanilla bean, and slowly whisk the milk into the egg-and-milk mixture. Return the cream to the pot and the pot to the fire, and continue cooking over a low flame, stirring gently, until it barely reaches a slow boil. Count to 120 while stirring constantly and it's done. (Note -- depending on your eggs and milk it may thicken to the proper consistency before it boils. If it reaches roughly the consistency of commercially prepared plain yogurt of the sort that will pour from the cup it's done). Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool, gently stirring it often to keep a skin from forming across top.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the butter and eggs. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of the pastry cream. - Make sure to whisk the pastry cream constantly while it is cooking. This will help to prevent it from curdling. - If you are not using the pastry cream right away, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. - To use the pastry cream, simply stir it until it is smooth and creamy. You can then use it to fill pastries, cakes, or tarts.Conclusion:
Italian pastry cream is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be used in a variety of ways. It is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. With its rich, creamy flavor, Italian pastry cream is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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