Very Soft Cream Swirls are the perfect treat to elevate your snack time or dessert table! These fluffy, creamy swirls are a delightful combination of soft dough and rich pastry cream, making them a favorite among children and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or served at a special gathering, these lovely treats are sure to impress all who taste them.
What You’ll Need for Very Soft Cream Swirls
To create your own fluffy masterpieces, gather these ingredients:
- 200 ml warm milk (about 0.85 cups)
- 14 g fresh yeast (about 0.5 oz)
- 50 ml light olive oil (about 3.4 tablespoons)
- 110 g sugar (about 0.5 cups)
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of 1 untreated lemon
- 500 g cake flour (about 4 cups)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g pastry cream (about 1 cup)
- 1 egg yolk
- Milk as needed
Step-by-Step Recipe for Very Soft Cream Swirls
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Mix the Base: Start by pouring the warm milk into a large bowl. Dissolve the fresh yeast in the milk by stirring with a wooden spoon until it’s well combined.
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Add Wet Ingredients: To your milk-yeast mixture, add the light olive oil, sugar, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until you have a fluid and homogeneous mixture.
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Incorporate Flour: Gradually sift in the cake flour, mixing continuously. Make sure to add the pinch of salt at the very end to activate the yeast properly.
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Knead the Dough: Work the dough with your hands until it becomes soft, elastic, and slightly shiny. This should take about 10 minutes of kneading.
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Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm area for about two hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Dough: Once risen, transfer the dough to a floured pastry board. Roll it out into a rectangle that’s about half a centimeter thick.
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Spread the Cream: Evenly spread the pastry cream over the rolled-out dough.
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Roll It Up: Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a compact log.
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Slice and Arrange: Cut the rolled dough into slices about 1 centimeter thick. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced a little apart.
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Final Rise: Cover the slices again and let them rise for another hour.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Mix the egg yolk with a splash of milk and brush this mixture over the swirls.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until they are golden brown.
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Keep Them Soft: Once out of the oven, cover the swirls with a clean cloth while they cool. This helps keep them soft.
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Serving Touch: Just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
How to Serve Very Soft Cream Swirls
These swirls are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a delightful breakfast or brunch option, enjoy them with some fresh fruit and yogurt. You can even turn them into a dessert by drizzling a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce on top!
Helpful Tricks for Very Soft Cream Swirls
- Flour Type: Using cake flour is key to achieving that soft texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the result will be slightly denser.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot, as too much heat could kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Extra Flavor: For more flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for a warm, comforting aroma.
Very Soft Cream Swirls: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to take it out and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover swirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.
Q: Can I freeze Very Soft Cream Swirls?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the baked swirls. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat in the oven.
Enjoy creating your very own Soft Cream Swirls at home! They’re delightful to make, taste heavenly, and are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!