How to Make Italian Pasticciotto Pastry

Italian pasticciotto pastry is a delightful treat that comes from the Puglia region of Italy. This delicious pastry, filled with creamy custard, is perfect for any occasion. If you're looking to impress your friends and family, learning how to make pasticciotto is a great skill to have. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process.

Ingredients for Pasticciotto Pastry

To make authentic Italian pasticciotto, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the dough:
• 400g all-purpose flour
• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

• For the custard filling:
• 500ml whole milk
• 100g granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps

Make the Custard Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Do not let it boil.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined. Add the flour and mix until smooth.

3. Once the milk is warm, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.

4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-10 minutes).

5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool.

Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg yolks and the whole egg to the mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble the Pasticciotto

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Roll out two-thirds of the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 0.5 cm thick.

3. Cut out circles, using a round cutter, that will line the bottom and sides of your muffin tins or pasticciotto molds.

4. Fill each lined mold with a generous tablespoon of the cooled custard filling.

5. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out circles to place on top of the custard-filled molds. Seal the edges by pressing them down gently.

Bake the Pasticciotto

1. Place the molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy Your Italian Pasticciotto!

Serve your pasticciotto pastries warm or at room temperature, and dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch. These treats are perfect as a dessert or for special occasions. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!