Lemon Mille-Feuille Recipe 🍋

Introduction

There’s something magical about the light, flaky layers of puff pastry paired with a creamy, tangy lemon filling. This Lemon Mille-Feuille, often known as a Napoleon, has become a family favorite in our household. Each bite is a delightful contrast between the crispiness of the pastry and the smoothness of the lemon cream, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. My family can’t get enough of this treat, especially during sunny days when a burst of citrus feels just right. It’s surprisingly simple to make and offers an impressive presentation, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 package of puff pastry sheets (store-bought, thawed)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Lemon zest or lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut them into 3×3 inch squares (or any desired shape).
3. Prepare for Baking: Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet and poke them with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.
4. Bake: Bake the puff pastry for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Lemon Cream Filling:

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sweetness: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in Lemon Curd: Gently fold in the lemon curd until well combined and creamy.

Assemble the Mille-Feuille:

1. Layer the Pastry: Take one square of puff pastry and spread a generous layer of lemon cream on top.
2. Stack the Layers: Place another square of puff pastry on top and repeat the process to form layers. Typically, 2-3 layers of pastry and filling work well.
3. Presentation Tip: For a neater presentation, pipe the lemon cream between the layers.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Finish with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top layer of pastry with powdered sugar for a beautiful, elegant finish.
2. Add Zesty Touch: Optionally, garnish with lemon zest or serve with lemon slices on the side for a zesty touch.

Chill and Enjoy:

1. Chill: Chill the mille-feuille for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
2. Serve: Slice and serve, enjoying the delightful combination of crisp puff pastry and tangy lemon cream!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 8
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)

How to Serve

• Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the mille-feuille into squares or rectangles for serving.
• Garnish Options:
• Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra creaminess.
• Serve alongside fresh lemon slices for a zesty contrast.

Additional Tips

1. Thawing Puff Pastry: Ensure that the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling out for best results.
2. Making Homemade Lemon Curd: If you prefer homemade lemon curd, it can elevate the flavor of this dessert.
3. Chilling: Chilling the assembled mille-feuille enhances the flavor and makes it easier to slice.
4. Avoiding Soggy Pastry: If you want to prepare ahead, store the pastry and lemon cream separately until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
5. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of curd, such as raspberry or passion fruit, for a fun twist!

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Mille-Feuille: Replace lemon curd with chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
• Berry Mille-Feuille: Layer fresh berries between the pastry and cream for added freshness.
• Matcha Mille-Feuille: Incorporate matcha powder into the cream filling for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a dessert after a light lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Great for celebrations, parties, or special occasions to impress your guests.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: It’s best to freeze the puff pastry before baking if you want to prepare it in advance. The assembled mille-feuille is not recommended for freezing, as it can affect the texture of the pastry.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry may soften, but the flavors will still be delicious.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

• Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly in this recipe.

1. How can I make this dessert in advance?

• Prepare the puff pastry and lemon cream filling separately, then assemble just before serving.

1. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

• You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative if you need a lighter version.

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?

• Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will yield a delicious result.

1. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

• Assemble the mille-feuille shortly before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

1. What if I can’t find puff pastry?

• You can make a quick pastry dough or use phyllo dough as an alternative, though it will have a different texture.

1. Can I add more layers?

• Yes! Feel free to add more layers for a taller mille-feuille.

1. Is this dessert gluten-free?

• No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. You can experiment with gluten-free puff pastry.

1. How do I know when the pastry is done?

• The pastry should be golden brown and crispy when baked.

1. Can I use different fruits for the filling?
   • Yes, you can use other curds or fruit preserves for different flavor variations.

Conclusion

The Lemon Mille-Feuille is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat that balances the rich flavors of the cream with the zestiness of lemon. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well-deserved dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. With its flaky layers and creamy filling, it’s a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy making and sharing this elegant treat with family and friends!

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