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Apricot Almond Pastries: A Flaky Delight for Every Baker

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When it comes to baking, sometimes simplicity is the key to creating something extraordinary. The Apricot Almond Pastries recipe is a perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can come together to form a delicious treat that both beginner and seasoned bakers will love. Whether you’re new to the world of baking or have been in the kitchen for years, this dessert is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress anyone who takes a bite.

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Apricot Almond Pastries: A Flaky Delight for Every Baker

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  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 18 pastries 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Ingredients:

  • 1 lb homemade puff pastry (or store-bought, thawed)
  • 3 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1/3 cup almond flakes/slivers
  • 9 super sweet apricots, halved and pitted
  • All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Cream Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch or semolina flour

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

For Glazing:

  • 3 tablespoons apricot, peach, or pineapple jam/preserve

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pastries don’t stick.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of room temperature cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (or semolina flour). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then set it aside for later use.
  • Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water. Set this aside to brush over the pastries before baking.
  • Prepare the Puff Pastry:
    • If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out the dough and cut it into 9 equal squares.
    • If you’re using homemade puff pastry, roll it out to a 12″x24″ rectangle and cut it into 18 equal squares.
    • Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pastry square with the egg wash and then sprinkle coarse turbinado sugar over them for a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch once baked.
  • Assemble the Pastries: Place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top the cream cheese with a half apricot (pitted) and sprinkle the edges of the pastry squares with almond flakes or slivers.
  • Bake the Pastries: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and the edges are golden brown. The pastries should be puffed up and beautifully golden.
  • Glaze the Pastries: While the pastries are baking, heat the jam (apricot, peach, or pineapple) in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes thin and easy to brush. Once the pastries are done baking, immediately brush the jam over the apricot halves for a shiny, sweet glaze.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness if desired. Serve and enjoy the delicious flaky pastry with a creamy filling and a burst of apricot flavor!

Notes

  • Flaky Pastry: Puff pastry can be a bit tricky to handle, especially if it’s too warm. Keep the dough cold until you’re ready to bake it, as this will help achieve the signature flaky layers.
  • Cream Cheese Mixture: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help avoid lumps and make the filling smooth.
  • Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your pastries while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. If the edges aren’t golden after 18 minutes, give them a few more minutes to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
  • Substitute for Apricots: If apricots are out of season or you simply prefer a different fruit, peaches, nectarines, or plums can be used in place of apricots for a similar tart-sweet flavor.
  • Substitute for Almonds: If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to try other nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts, or omit the nuts entirely for a simpler flavor profile.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

As a beginner cook, one of the most rewarding feelings is the success of a homemade dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. These Apricot Almond Pastries fit that description perfectly. The flakey puff pastry creates the perfect base for the creamy cheesecake filling, complemented by the sweetness of fresh apricots and the crunch of almond flakes. Plus, the recipe is simple and time-efficient, making it an ideal choice for those who want to create something beautiful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

Baking can sometimes feel intimidating for newcomers, but this recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. There’s no complicated dough-making process, and with just a handful of ingredients, even the most novice baker can assemble a delicious dessert. The puff pastry, whether homemade or store-bought, is easy to work with and makes the perfect base for these pastries. The creamy cheesecake filling is smooth and forgiving, and the apricots provide a natural sweetness that eliminates the need for additional complicated steps.

This recipe also emphasizes time efficiency, as you can have a batch of these pastries ready in just 25 minutes. This is a great dessert to whip up when you’re in a rush but still want something impressive to serve to friends or family.

Ingredients and Preparation

Puff Pastry Ingredients:

  • 1 lb homemade puff pastry (or store-bought, thawed)
  • 3 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1/3 cup almond flakes/slivers
  • 9 super sweet apricots, halved and pitted
  • All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Cream Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch or semolina flour

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

For Glazing:

  • 3 tablespoons apricot, peach, or pineapple jam/preserve

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pastries don’t stick.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of room temperature cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (or semolina flour). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then set it aside for later use.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water. Set this aside to brush over the pastries before baking.
  4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
    • If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, lightly dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out the dough and cut it into 9 equal squares.
    • If you’re using homemade puff pastry, roll it out to a 12″x24″ rectangle and cut it into 18 equal squares.
    • Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pastry square with the egg wash and then sprinkle coarse turbinado sugar over them for a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch once baked.
  6. Assemble the Pastries: Place 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top the cream cheese with a half apricot (pitted) and sprinkle the edges of the pastry squares with almond flakes or slivers.
  7. Bake the Pastries: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and the edges are golden brown. The pastries should be puffed up and beautifully golden.
  8. Glaze the Pastries: While the pastries are baking, heat the jam (apricot, peach, or pineapple) in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes thin and easy to brush. Once the pastries are done baking, immediately brush the jam over the apricot halves for a shiny, sweet glaze.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness if desired. Serve and enjoy the delicious flaky pastry with a creamy filling and a burst of apricot flavor!

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • Flaky Pastry: Puff pastry can be a bit tricky to handle, especially if it’s too warm. Keep the dough cold until you’re ready to bake it, as this will help achieve the signature flaky layers.
  • Cream Cheese Mixture: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help avoid lumps and make the filling smooth.
  • Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your pastries while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. If the edges aren’t golden after 18 minutes, give them a few more minutes to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
  • Substitute for Apricots: If apricots are out of season or you simply prefer a different fruit, peaches, nectarines, or plums can be used in place of apricots for a similar tart-sweet flavor.
  • Substitute for Almonds: If you’re not a fan of almonds, feel free to try other nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts, or omit the nuts entirely for a simpler flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Apricot Almond Pastries are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a variety of complementary sides and sauces. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
  • Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee to make the perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
  • For an elegant touch, serve with a small bowl of lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese for dipping.

Storage Tips

While these pastries are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them after baking and glaze them later. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F to restore their flakiness.

Engaging Conclusion

These Apricot Almond Pastries are an easy and impressive treat that anyone can make with a few simple ingredients and just a bit of time. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet apricots creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special dessert for a gathering.

Don’t be afraid to try this recipe yourself—it’s a fun and rewarding bake that will surely impress your family and friends. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue baking together!

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