Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Special equipment needed:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Pastry bag (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 3 equal rectangles. Place the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the puff pastry for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Place the raspberry jam in a small bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds until it becomes more liquid.
6. To assemble the éclair cake, place one rectangle of puff pastry on a serving platter. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the puff pastry, followed by a layer of raspberry jam. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry rectangles, cream cheese mixture, and raspberry jam.
7. Top the final layer of cream cheese mixture with fresh raspberries and sliced almonds.
8. Chill the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 400°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 210mg
Sugar: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of raspberry jam, you can use any other flavor of jam or preserves.
- Instead of fresh raspberries, you can use any other type of fresh berries or fruit.
- Instead of sliced almonds, you can use chopped pecans or walnuts.
Variations:
- You can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers of puff pastry and cream cheese mixture.
- You can substitute the raspberry jam with lemon curd or caramel sauce.
- You can add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers of puff pastry and cream cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the puff pastry is completely cooled before assembling the éclair cake.
- Use a pastry bag to pipe the cream cheese mixture onto the puff pastry for a neater presentation.
- If the cream cheese mixture becomes too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing to assemble the éclair cake.
Storage instructions:
Store the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The éclair cake is best served chilled, but you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake on a white platter or cake stand for a classic look. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a fancier presentation.
Garnishes:
Fresh raspberries, sliced almonds, and mint leaves make great garnishes for the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake.
Pairings:
Serve the éclair cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious dessert.
Suggested side dishes:
The Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake is a dessert on its own and does not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the puff pastry becomes too brown or burnt, reduce the oven temperature or bake for a shorter amount of time.
- If the cream cheese mixture becomes too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing to assemble the éclair cake.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Food history:
Éclair cakes are a popular dessert in France and are typically made with choux pastry and filled with pastry cream. This version uses puff pastry for a simpler and quicker recipe.
Flavor profiles:
The Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake is sweet, creamy, and tangy with a hint of almond flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Raspberry Cream Éclair Cake as a dessert after a dinner party or as a special treat for a family gathering.
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