Best 12 Vanilla Cream Napoleons Recipes

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Welcome to the world of culinary delights, where we embark on a journey to discover the secrets behind creating the perfect Vanilla Cream Napoleons. This delectable dessert, with its layers of flaky pastry and velvety vanilla cream filling, is a classic that has tantalized taste buds for generations. As we delve into this article, we will uncover the essential steps and techniques required to craft these culinary masterpieces. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of pastry making, we will guide you through the process of creating Vanilla Cream Napoleons that are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice cook, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your dessert game and impress family and friends alike.

Let's cook with our recipes!

NAPOLEONS



Napoleons image

Golden puff pastry is layered with pastry cream and jam and then iced before being cut into bars.

Provided by Katherine

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 ½ (17.5 ounce) packages frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
¼ cup cornstarch
4 cups milk, divided
⅓ cup cake flour
⅞ cup white sugar, divided
3 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot jam
3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Roll out three sheets of puff pastry, each to the same size and a thickness of 1/8 inch. Prick with a fork, and place on baking sheets.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden, about 10 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk with fingers until smooth. Stir in cake flour and half the sugar. Beat in egg yolks. Set aside.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining milk and remaining sugar to a rolling boil. Stir in egg yolk mixture; continue stirring and bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool.
  • In a small saucepan or in the microwave, heat the jam until runny.
  • Place one sheet of pastry on a board. Spread with cooled pastry cream to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Place a second pastry sheet over the cream. Brush with fruit glaze. Spread remaining pastry cream over glaze. Top with final pastry sheet and gently compress layers, using a baking sheet to press.
  • To make icing, beat together confectioners' sugar and lemon juice with enough of the egg whites to make a creamy consistency like that of a cream soup. Working quickly, color a small portion of the frosting with red food coloring. Frost the top and sides of the assembled pastry with white icing. Pipe parallel lines of red icing on top of dessert, then draw a pick or knife crosswise through icing to make the traditional design. Let icing set before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.5 calories, Carbohydrate 60.5 g, Cholesterol 33.3 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 133.2 mg, Sugar 37.1 g

VANILLA CREAM NAPOLEONS



Vanilla Cream Napoleons image

These bakery shop beauties are fun to recreate in your home kitchen, using frozen puff pastry sheet and pudding mix.

Provided by By Arlene Cummings

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
1 package (6-serving size) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
3 to 4 teaspoons milk
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray. On lightly floured surface, unfold pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 3 strips along fold marks. Place on cookie sheet; prick lightly with fork all over strips. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet and second cookie sheet.
  • Bake about 5 minutes. Prick surfaces of pastries with fork to prevent pastries from rising too much during baking. Bake 10 minutes longer or until golden brown. Remove pastries from cookie sheets; cool 10 to 15 minutes.
  • In large bowl, beat pudding mix, 2 cups milk, vanilla and sour cream with electric mixer on medium speed until soft pudding forms. Cover; refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes.
  • In small bowl, stir powdered sugar and 3 teaspoons milk. If icing is too thick, stir in another teaspoon milk until spreadable consistency.
  • On 1 pastry layer, spread about 3/4 cup pudding. Repeat with another pastry layer and 3/4 cup pudding. Top with third pastry layer. Spread icing over top. Set aside. Repeat to make second dessert with remaining pastries, pudding and icing.
  • In microwavable small bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until chocolate can be stirred smooth. Drizzle chocolate back and forth across top of each dessert. Drag toothpick through chocolate and icing to create marbled appearance.
  • Cut desserts into 2-inch slices. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving

NAPOLEONS



Napoleons image

Provided by Food Network

Time 4h50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound frozen puff pastry, thawed
Flour for rolling out pastry
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise
9 egg yolks, at room temperature
Confectioner's sugar, to taste

Steps:

  • On a lightly floured surface roll out the pastry to 1/16-inch thick. Transfer pastry to a parchment-lined sheet pan and trim edges. With a fork prick surface all over and chill for 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Cover pastry with a second piece of parchment paper and weight down with a second sheet pan. Bake pastry for 10 minutes. Remove top sheet pan and parchment and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer pastry to a cooling rack.
  • Make the filling: In a heavy saucepan combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Using a knife scrape the seeds of the vanilla bean into the milk mixture and add the whole bean. Bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and allow to steep for one hour. Discard the bean or reserve for another use.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees. Whisk the yolks into the cooled milk mixture and strain through a fine sieve into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and add enough hot water to reach halfway up the side of the dish. Bake custard for 3/4 to 1 hour until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. let cool; cover and chill for several hours or overnight. To assemble: Transfer pastry to a flat surface. Using a ruler measure out three 3 1/2 x 11-inch strips. With a serrated knife carefully cut the pastry using a gentle sawing motion. With a paring knife cut the custard into two 3 1/2 x 11-inch strips and cut each strip in half crosswise. With a long, wide offset spatula transfer a piece of custard onto a strip of pastry, covering half of it. Transfer a second piece of custard to fill the first layer. Top with a second strip of pastry, smooth side up, and repeat process. If necessary, smooth the sides of the napoleon with a knife so that they are stacked neatly.
  • Using a serrated knife carefully slice the napoleon into individual serving pieces. Sift confectioner's sugar over the napoleon to form a thick coating. Heat skewers on stovetop burner until red-hot and brand the sugar with cross hatch marks.
  • Recommended drink: 1993 Passito di Pantelleria, Nuova Agricoltura

LEMON CREAM NAPOLEON



Lemon Cream Napoleon image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     dessert

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant sugar-free lemon pudding and pie filling
1 cup sour cream, light
1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely minced, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon warm water
12 won-ton wrappers
4 tablespoons whipped topping
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine ricotta, lemon pudding and sour cream. Process until smooth. Add lemon zest and process for 1 minute. Mix until pudding consistency.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheet with kitchen parchment.
  • In a small bowl, combine honey and warm water. Stir until honey dissolves. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush wrappers on both sides with honey water. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven, let cool.
  • To serve, place one wrapper on a plate and spoon a dollop of pudding mixture. Repeat with another layer. Mix 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the whipped topping. Top third wrapper with a dollop of whipped topping. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

NAPOLEON CREMES



Napoleon Cremes image

Make and share this Napoleon Cremes recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Annisette

Categories     Candy

Time 1h15m

Yield 44 bars

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked coconut
3 tablespoons milk
1 (3 3/4 ounce) vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon paraffin wax (optional)

Steps:

  • Butter a 9-inch square pan.
  • In top of a double boiler: combine 1/2 c butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla. Cook over simmering water until the butter is melted. Stir in the slightly beaten egg.
  • Continue cooking, stirring, until the mixture is thick (about 3 minutes). Blend in crumbs and coconut.
  • Press the mixture in the prepared pan.
  • In a bowl, cream 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in milk, pudding mix, and confectioners sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
  • Spread mixture evenly over the crust mixture in the pan.
  • Chill until firm.
  • In a double boiler, melt chocolate, 2 tbsp butter and paraffin. Cool, spread over pudding layer. Chill.
  • Cut into 2 x 3/4 inch bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 122.7, Fat 7, SaturatedFat 4.3, Cholesterol 17.4, Sodium 98.3, Carbohydrate 15.3, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 12.8, Protein 0.8

STRAWBERRY NAPOLEONS



Strawberry Napoleons image

This delicious, attractive, and (most importantly) super-easy puff pastry recipe can easily be made low-fat by using fat-free whipped topping and skim milk. This recipe should be enjoyed the same day for best results. Enjoy!

Provided by PESTANO

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Strawberry Dessert Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding and pie filling
1 cup cold 2% milk
1 ½ cups non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
½ (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 pint fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
¼ cup confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Combine pudding mix and cold milk; fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Unfold pastry on a cool, lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 strips along fold marks, then cut each strip into four equal pieces. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet, and cool.
  • Split pastries into 2 layers, setting the 8 best looking tops aside. Spread 8 bottom layers with dollops of the pudding mixture. Top each with a layer of strawberries, a small amount of pudding, and another pastry layer. (A small amount of the pudding mix on top of the berries will help keep the layers together.) Spread with remaining pudding mixture and strawberries, and top with remaining pastry layers (the best looking ones). Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.9 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 2.4 mg, Fat 15.9 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 268.2 mg, Sugar 20.1 g

NAPOLEON CREMES



Napoleon Cremes image

For the annual Christmas open house we host, I set out a buffet with lots of food and candies like these lovely layered treats. They're so creamy, and with a green pistachio layer of pudding peeking out, they're very merry. -Gloria Jesswein, Niles, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 15m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FILLING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio or lemon pudding mix
3 tablespoons whole milk
TOPPING:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, coconut, sugar and cocoa. Stir in melted butter and vanilla. Press onto bottom of a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Refrigerate 30 minutes., For filling, beat softened butter until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, pudding mix and milk; beat until fluffy. Spread over crust. Refrigerate until firm, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., For topping, microwave chocolate chips and butter on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Cool. Spread over pudding layer. Refrigerate until set. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 102mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber trace fiber), Protein 1g protein

NAPOLEON



Napoleon image

A perfectly layered napoleon is a showstopping dessert; slicing it, however, can be a tricky matter. Don't be discouraged if yours doesn't cut neatly into serving pieces; even if it's slightly flattened and oozing pastry cream, each bite will still be delicious.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

All-purpose flour, for work surface
1 3/4 pounds Puff Pastry dough
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 ounces dark semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/2 teaspoon corn syrup
1/4 ounce white chocolate, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
Pastry Cream

Steps:

  • Make puff pastry strips: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out dough into a 16-by-18-inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick, being careful not to press too hard around the edges. Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut rectangle crosswise into thirds, with each strip 6 by 16 inches. Transfer to a baking sheet; dock, or pierce, the dough all over with a fork. Cover with plastic wrap; place in refrigerator 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Transfer to oven; bake until strips are puffed and golden all over, about 14 minutes. Set a baking sheet directly on pastry strips, and continue baking until pastry is cooked through and well browned, about 6 minutes. Remove top baking sheet; bake 4 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Using a serrated knife, trim each to 4 1/4 by 12 inches.
  • Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream just to a boil. Place dark chocolate in a bowl, and pour hot cream over chocolate; whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is combined. Whisk in corn syrup. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
  • Place white chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk until chocolate is melted, and remove from heat. Let cool.
  • Using an offset spatula, spread dark chocolate glaze over one side of the flattest puff pastry strip, making sure to coat entire surface. Place white chocolate in a piping cone; pipe thin lines 3/4 inch apart across width of chocolate-coated strip. To create the distinctive flourish, gently drag the tip of a paring knife or a skewer lengthwise through both coatings, in lines perpendicular to the white chocolate lines. Begin at one of the short ends, and make each line 3/4 inch apart. Alternate the direction each time.
  • Place one of the unglazed puff pastry strips on a serving tray. Spread half the pastry cream over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around. Top with remaining unglazed pastry strip; press down gently, and repeat with remaining pastry cream. Top with glazed pastry strip. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill 30 minutes uncovered. Using a long serrated knife, cut into six pieces, and serve.

CLASSIC FRENCH NAPOLEON RECIPE - (3.9/5)



Classic French Napoleon Recipe - (3.9/5) image

Provided by ctozzi

Number Of Ingredients 18

PUFF PASTRY:
1/2 of a 17 1/4-ounce package (1 sheet) frozen puff pastry, thawed
CREAM FILLING:
1/4 cup granulated or superfine sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup half and half or light cream
2 slightly beaten egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whipping cream
GLAZE:
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons boiling water
FRUIT PRESERVE OR JAM FILLING: (optional)
1/3 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jam or preserves
CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE TOPPING:
1 1/2 tablespoons melted semisweet chocolate

Steps:

  • PUFF PASTRY: Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or plain brown paper; set aside. Unfold puff pastry sheet and trim edges to a 9-inch square. Cut pastry into nine 3-inch squares. Transfer pastry squares to the prepared baking sheets; prick pastry. Bake in a preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until golden. (Or bake according to package directions.) Carefully remove pastries from baking sheet. Cool on a rack. CREAM FILLING: In a heavy, medium saucepan stir together sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly stir in half-and-half or light cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Slowly stir about half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks. Return all to saucepan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap and cool just until warm without stirring. In a small mixing bowl beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into warm pastry cream. GLAZE: In a medium mixing bowl combine confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Stir in enough boiling water to make a glaze of spreading consistency; set aside. ASSEMBLY: Use the tines of a fork to separate each pastry square horizontally into 3 layers. Note: If Using Fruit Jam or Preserves: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the raspberry or strawberry jam or preserves on each bottom layer. Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the pastry cream over raspberry preserves or if not using a layer of fruit jam or preserves, spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the pastry cream on the bottom layer and preceed as follows: Top with middle pastry layers. Spread another 1 1/2 tablespoons of the pastry cream on each middle layer. Finally, top with remaining pastry layers. Spread glaze over top of napoleons, then drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill up to 1 hour.

NAPOLEON CREAMS



Napoleon Creams image

Similar to a Canadian Nanaimo bar, but this recipe uses a package of instant vanilla pudding instead of custard powder which is not to easy to find in the U.S. Chill time is bake time. Yes the margarine is listed in 3 places.

Provided by mandabears

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 3h15m

Yield 44 bars

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup flaked sweetened coconut
1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons milk
3 1/2 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsel
2 tablespoons margarine or 2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, combine 1/2 cup margarine or butter, cocoa, sugar and the vanilla extract.
  • Stir until margarine melts.
  • Add the egg.
  • Stir until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add graham crackers and coconut, mix well.
  • Press into a greased 9x9 pan, I use cooking spray.
  • Cream 1/2 cup margarine, milk, pudding mix, and powdered sugar.
  • Beat until fluffy.
  • Spread over crust.
  • Chill until firm.
  • Melt semi sweet morsels and 2 tablespoons margarine.
  • Cool slightly.
  • Spread over pudding layer.
  • Chill until set.
  • Cut into small bars to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 128.4, Fat 7.5, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 4.4, Sodium 107, Carbohydrate 14.9, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 11.9, Protein 0.9

LEMON CREAM AND RASPBERRY PHYLLO NAPOLEONS



Lemon Cream and Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Citrus     Dessert     Bake     Kid-Friendly     Raspberry     Lemon     Summer     Chill     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Diabetes-Friendly     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Phyllo Squares
6 fresh phyllo pastry sheets or frozen, thawed
6 teaspoons (generous) sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup purchased lemon curd
2 1/2-pint baskets fresh raspberries or 2 cups frozen unsweetened, thawed, drained
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • For Phyllo Squares:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil 2 large baking sheets. Stack phyllo sheets on work surface. Trim to 10 1/2-inch square (reserve scraps for another use). Place 1 phyllo square on work surface (cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap and damp kitchen towel). Sprinkle with 1 generous teaspoon sugar. Top with second phyllo square. Brush lightly with melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle with 1 generous teaspoon sugar. Top with third phyllo square. Sprinkle with 1 generous teaspoon sugar. Cut phyllo stack into 9 equal stacked squares. Arrange stacked phyllo squares an prepared baking sheet. Repeat layering and cutting with remaining 3 phyllo sheets, sugar and butter making total of 18 stacked phyllo squares. Bake until phyllo is golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer baking sheets to racks and cool completely.
  • For Lemon Cream:
  • Beat cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar and vanilla in large bowl until medium peaks form. Whisk lemon curd in another medium bowl until smooth. Add to cream mixture. Beat to stiff peaks.
  • Spread 1 generous tablespoon lemon cream on each of 6 stacked phyllo squares. Top each with 6 raspberries. Layer each with 6 raspberries. Layer each with 1 phyllo square, 1 more tablespoon lemon cream and 6 raspberries (save any remaining lemon cream for another use). Top each with 1 phyllo square. Sift powdered sugar over desserts. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover loosely and refrigerate).

PRALINE NAPOLEONS WITH ALMOND CREAM FILLING



Praline Napoleons with Almond Cream Filling image

These multilayered sweets satisfy on a few levels. We've improved on the patisserie classic by filling its dense, buttery pastry layers with piped ruffles of almond-infused cream and a sprinkling of crushed praline. A crisp shard of the nut-studded candy caps off each serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

All-purpose flour, for work surface
1 sheet from 1 box (17 1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups sugar
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds, toasted and finely chopped (about 7 ounces)
Vegetable oil, for spatula
Almond Cream Filling

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out twelve 4 1/2-by-2 3/4 inch rectangles; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick with a fork. Brush with egg, and cover with parchment. Top with a baking sheet. Chill in freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
  • With top sheet still in place, bake until pastry is crisp and golden, 30 to 32 minutes. Remove top sheet and parchment. Let pastry cool completely on bottom parchment on a wire rack.
  • Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat. Stir together sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, without stirring, until sugar begins to melt and turn light amber, about 3 minutes. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush as needed to prevent crystals from forming. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture turns dark amber, about 8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; stir in almonds. Pour mixture onto prepared sheet. Using an oiled offset spatula, spread to 1/8 inch thick. Let cool completely. Transfer half of the praline to a plastic bag; using a rolling pin, gently crush into very small pieces; set aside. Break remaining praline into large pieces using your hands.
  • Transfer the almond cream filling to a pastry bag fitted with a petal tip (such as Wilton #127). Pipe filling onto 6 pastry rectangles; sprinkle each with crushed praline. Layer with another pastry rectangle and filling. Top each with a piece of praline.

Tips for Making Vanilla Cream Napoleons:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your Napoleons.
  • Make sure your puff pastry is cold before using it. This will help it to rise properly in the oven.
  • Roll out the puff pastry thinly. This will help it to bake evenly.
  • Prick the puff pastry with a fork before baking. This will help to prevent it from puffing up too much.
  • Bake the puff pastry until it is golden brown. This will give it a nice flavor and texture.
  • Make the vanilla cream filling ahead of time. This will give it time to chill and thicken.
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the puff pastry and the vanilla cream filling. This will help to prevent them from tearing.
  • Layer the puff pastry and vanilla cream filling carefully. You want to make sure that each layer is even.
  • Chill the Napoleons before serving. This will help them to set and firm up.

Conclusion:

Vanilla Cream Napoleons are a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with layers of puff pastry and vanilla cream filling. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make these delicious pastries at home. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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