Indulge in the ultimate treat with these chocolate cream-filled pastries, featuring a buttery golden crust and a luscious chocolate filling. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe combines a light, flaky dough with a rich and velvety cream. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or satisfying a personal craving, these pastries promise to deliver on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pastry
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- 80 grams of sugar (⅓ cup)
- 8 grams of vanilla yeast (1 packet)
- 50 ml of oil (3½ tablespoons)
- 50 grams of soft butter (3½ tablespoons)
- 250 grams of flour (2 cups)
- 10 grams of baking powder (2 teaspoons)
For the Chocolate Cream:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (25 grams)
- 4 tablespoons of cornstarch (40 grams)
- 400 ml of milk (1⅔ cups)
- 100 grams of dark chocolate (3.5 oz)
- 200 ml of sweetened cream (¾ cup + 1 tablespoon)
Toppings:
- Chocolate chips (optional, as desired)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- Beat the egg and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
- Add the vanilla yeast, oil, and softened butter. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
2. Making the Chocolate Cream
- In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to ensure a lump-free mixture.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the dark chocolate until melted and fully incorporated.
- Allow the cream to cool slightly, then gently fold in the sweetened cream to achieve a smooth texture.
3. Assembling the Pastries
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into shapes of your choice (circles, squares, or rectangles).
- Place a generous spoonful of the chocolate cream onto each piece of dough.
- Fold and seal the edges firmly to prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with chocolate chips for an added touch.
4. Baking to Perfection
- Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
- Remove the tray from the oven and allow the pastries to cool slightly.
- Dust the pastries with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these pastries with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy them alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea as a comforting snack.
- For an extra decorative touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the pastries before serving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium dark chocolate to achieve a rich, decadent flavor.
- Prevent Leaks: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to avoid the filling spilling out during baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar to the chocolate cream to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information
Per Pastry (Approximate for 12 Pastries):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
These pastries provide a balanced mix of energy-boosting carbohydrates, heart-healthy antioxidants from dark chocolate, and a satisfying dose of sweetness.
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is entirely suitable for vegetarians.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter, milk, and cream with plant-based options to cater to dairy-free diets.
- Nut-Free: As written, the recipe contains no nuts but can be customized by adding chopped nuts to the filling.
Storage and Reheating
- Store pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 5–10 minutes to restore their fresh, flaky texture.
- For longer storage, freeze baked pastries in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, creamy chocolate filling contrasts perfectly with the light, buttery crust.
- Simple and Versatile: Easy to prepare with room for creative variations (e.g., adding fruits or nuts).
- Visually Stunning: Golden brown pastries dusted with powdered sugar make a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but it will yield a sweeter, milder flavor. Adjust sugar levels accordingly.
What if I don’t have vanilla yeast?
Substitute with vanilla extract and add an extra teaspoon of baking powder.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
How can I make the pastries extra flaky?
Ensure the butter is well incorporated into the dough, and refrigerate before rolling out.
These chocolate cream-filled pastries are an irresistible delight that combines rich flavors with a homemade touch. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.