Description
King’s Pancake Express
Ingredients (6 to 8 people)
2 puff pastas ready to go
100g of almond powder
100g of powdered sugar
50 g of soft butter
2 eggs + 1 yolk (for gold)
1 c. with sour cream soup
1 c. with bitter almond extract coffee (optional)
1 fever
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
Mix almond powder, sugar, soft butter and eggs in a salad bowl. Add sour cream and bitter almond extract (optional). Mix until you get a smooth cream.
Roll puff pastry on a plate covered with sulfurized paper. Spread the frangipane in the center leaving a 2 cm edge. Insert the beans in the cream.
Cover with second puff pastry. Press the edges with fork to seal.
Mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water and rub the surface of the pancake. Draw patterns with a knife without piercing the dough.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puff pastry is golden brown and well puffed.
Let cool before serving, ideally accompanied by a glass of cider.
Time to prepare and bake
Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total : 40 minutes
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect King’s Pancake Express every time.
- Prepare the Frangipane: In a medium bowl, vigorously mix the almond powder, powdered sugar, and soft butter until combined. Add the 2 whole eggs, sour cream, and optional almond extract. Mix until a smooth, homogenous cream forms.
- Assemble the Base: Unroll the first sheet of puff pastry onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a spatula, spread the frangipane evenly over the center, leaving a clean 2 cm border on all edges. Press the dried beans into the cream in a decorative pattern.
- Seal the Pancake: Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Using the tines of a fork, firmly press down all around the edges to create a tight seal and an attractive pattern.
- Decorate and Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the single egg yolk with one tablespoon of water. Gently brush this egg wash over the entire surface of the pastry. With the tip of a sharp knife, score a lattice or other design into the top layer, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the tray in the preheated 200°C (390°F) oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden brown and has puffed up dramatically.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pancake to cool completely on the tray before slicing. This ensures the frangipane sets properly.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, King’s Pancake Express can be elevated with simple accompaniments. Serve it at room temperature, dusted with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes it a decadent dessert. For a traditional touch, pair a slice with a chilled glass of dry cider or a dessert wine.
How-to Summary
King’s Pancake Express is a quick, elegant dessert. Simply mix a frangipane cream from almond powder, sugar, butter, eggs, and cream. Spread it between two sheets of puff pastry, seal the edges, glaze with egg wash, and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the frangipane ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the frangipane cream up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before assembling.
What can I use instead of the beans? The beans are optional for texture. You can omit them or use almond slivers, pearl sugar, or chocolate chips for a different effect.
My pastry didn’t puff up. What went wrong? This is often due to the egg wash sealing the edges too heavily or scoring too deeply. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid opening the door during the first 15 minutes of baking.
Can I use homemade puff pastry? Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry will yield a fantastic result, but using ready-made pastry is the key to this “express” recipe’s speed and convenience.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover pancake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to a month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Ensure your butter is very soft to create a smooth frangipane without lumps.
- Spreading filling to the edge: Leaving the 2 cm border is crucial. Filling the entire sheet will cause leakage during baking.
- Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash is essential for achieving a beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish.
- Cutting while hot: Slicing the pancake before it has cooled will cause the frangipane to ooze out and the layers to compress.
Conclusion
King’s Pancake Express is the perfect dessert for impressing guests with minimal effort. By combining the rich, nutty flavor of frangipane with the flaky convenience of puff pastry, this recipe delivers elegance in under an hour. Remember the key steps: seal the edges tightly, glaze for color, and let it cool. With this guide, you’re equipped to avoid common pitfalls and create a stunning, delicious treat that truly lives up to its royal name.