Phyllo Pastry with Cream and Nuts

Introduction:

This phyllo pastry dessert is a decadent combination of flaky layers, rich cream, and crunchy nuts, drizzled with a sweet syrup or honey. It’s similar to classics like Baklava but adds a creamy element, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or indulgent treats. The crispy phyllo contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling and nutty crunch, creating a delightful texture in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Phyllo Layers:

• 8 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Syrup:

• ½ cup honey or ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Phyllo Layers:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on the baking sheet and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brushing with butter again. Repeat until all phyllo sheets are stacked.
   • Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly between every 2-3 layers for added crunch.
2. Bake the Phyllo:
   • Bake the phyllo dough for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy custard. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Let the cream cool slightly before folding in the whipped heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
   • Once the phyllo is cool, cut the sheets into equal-sized squares. Spread a layer of cream filling onto one square of phyllo, then add another square on top. You can create multiple layers depending on your preference.
   • Drizzle the honey or syrup over the top layers, ensuring it soaks into the pastry.
5. Prepare the Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine honey (or sugar), water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
6. Serve:
   • Drizzle the prepared syrup over the assembled pastry. Garnish with extra chopped nuts or fresh herbs (like thyme) for an added touch. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Conclusion:

Phyllo pastry with cream and nuts is a rich, indulgent dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: crispy, buttery pastry layers and a smooth, luxurious cream filling. The addition of nuts adds a delightful crunch, while the honey or syrup creates a sweet and sticky finish. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.