Get ready to transport your taste buds to the enchanting streets of Italy with this irresistible cream-filled pastry recipe that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine biting into a delicate, golden-brown pastry shell that shatters perfectly, revealing a luscious, creamy ricotta filling that melts in your mouth. These elegant Italian pastries are not just a dessert—they're a culinary experience that will make you feel like you're sitting in a charming Venetian café, indulging in a slice of pure bliss.
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 pastries
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, create 2-inch elongated pastry shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each pastry.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the cream filling, mix ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Once pastries are cool, slice them horizontally and pipe the ricotta cream filling into the center.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for garnish.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow filling to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the most consistent pastry dough.
- Piping technique matters: Use a piping bag with a large round tip for uniform pastry shapes that bake evenly.
- Don't open the oven: Resist the temptation to peek while baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause your pastries to deflate.
- Cooling is crucial: Let pastries cool completely before filling to prevent soggy shells and maintain their crisp texture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of liqueur like Marsala to your ricotta filling.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the pastry shells and filling separately a day in advance, assembling just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Get creative with garnishes: While chocolate shavings are classic, try toasted pistachios or a drizzle of honey for unique variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 217kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
