Save to Pinterest Elegant Swan Mini Pastries are a delightful French dessert that combine the lightness of choux pastry with a luscious vanilla cream filling. These charming little swans, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, offer an elegant touch to any tea-time gathering or special occasion. Their delicate shape and subtle sweetness make them as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
Save to Pinterest This recipe takes you through the classic French technique of making choux pastry, teaching you how to create perfectly shaped mini swans that are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Paired with the whipped vanilla cream, these pastries are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry
125 ml water
40 g unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
75 g all-purpose flour
2 large eggs - Vanilla Cream Filling
200 ml heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract - Decoration
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Return to medium heat, stirring until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).
- 3. Let dough cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- 4. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip. Pipe 12 oval shapes (bodies) onto the prepared tray. With a small round tip, pipe 12 S-shaped necks on the same tray.
- 5. Bake bodies for 25–30 minutes, and necks for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
- 6. For the filling, whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- 7. Slice the top third off each choux body. Cut the tops in half lengthwise to create wings.
- 8. Pipe or spoon cream into the bottom halves. Insert two wings on each side and an S-shaped neck at the front. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your choux pastry puffs perfectly, avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent collapsing. Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form to maintain a light and airy texture. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the tops for neat wings. Freshly dust the pastries with powdered sugar right before serving for the best visual effect.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For added flavor, incorporate raspberries or a spoonful of lemon curd inside the vanilla cream filling. You can also experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or rose for a subtle twist. To make them vegan, consider using plant-based cream alternatives and egg substitutes designed for choux pastry, though the texture will differ slightly.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these Elegant Swan Mini Pastries fresh for the best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with a glass of Champagne or a sweet Moscato, making them perfect for celebrations or refined afternoon tea. Garnish your platter with edible flowers or fresh berries to enhance presentation.
Save to Pinterest With patience and care, these Elegant Swan Mini Pastries make a stunning addition to your dessert repertoire. Their sophisticated appearance belies a relatively straightforward preparation, offering a rewarding baking experience and delightful taste in every bite.
Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to shape the swan bodies and necks?
Use a piping bag with medium and small round tips to create oval shapes for the bodies and S-shaped necks separately, ensuring delicate, crisp forms after baking.
- → How do I achieve the perfect choux dough consistency?
Cook the flour mixture until it forms a ball and pulls away from the pot sides; then cool slightly before beating in eggs to a smooth, glossy batter.
- → Can the vanilla cream filling be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form and store chilled until assembling for freshness and texture.
- → What are some suitable flavor additions to enhance the pastries?
Add fresh raspberries or a spoonful of lemon curd inside the cream to introduce bright, complementary flavors.
- → How should these pastries be stored?
Store assembled pastries in the refrigerator and consume them shortly after to maintain their crispness and creamy filling quality.