Bonjour, foodies! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a delightful French pastry that exudes elegance and flavor – the authentic homemade Pithivier! This delectable treat is a true testament to the art of French baking, featuring layers of flaky puff pastry encasing a luscious almond cream filling. Named after the charming town of Pithiviers, this pastry will transport you to the heart of French culinary heritage. Don your chef's hat and join me as we embark on this delightful culinary adventure, crafting a Pithivier that is sure to impress your loved ones and leave them craving for more.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For the almond cream filling, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined and set aside.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out.
Cut out two identical circles from the puff pastry, each about 8 inches in diameter. These will be the top and bottom layers of the Pithivier.
Place one pastry circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the almond cream filling evenly over it, leaving a small border around the edges.
Brush the edges of the pastry with water and carefully place the second pastry circle on top. Press the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Create a small hole in the center of the top pastry layer to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the Pithivier with beaten egg for a golden glaze, and optionally, decorate with whole almonds or almond flakes on top.
Bake the Pithivier in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffed.
Once baked, let the Pithivier cool on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients or brands used.