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Looking for a quick yet impressive treat to serve at your next gathering? These zesty lemon-filled puff pastry bites are the perfect combination of crisp, buttery pastry and a tangy lemon filling. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a bit of citrusy sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of ready-roll all-butter puff pastry
- 1 large free-range egg white
- 2 tsp caster sugar (fine granulated)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Demerara sugar (turbinado) for sprinkling
- 100g butter, softened (8 tbsp)
- 200g icing sugar, sifted (1 1/2 cups)
- Finely grated zest of one unwaxed lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Directions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or gas mark 6. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. Unroll the puff pastry and slice it into small rectangles, approximately 1 inch by 3 inches. Arrange these rectangles on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is space between each one for even baking.
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2. Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg white with the caster sugar and lemon juice until just combined, taking care not to create foam. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top of each pastry rectangle with this egg white mixture. Next, generously sprinkle demerara sugar over each piece to add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
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3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes to prevent burning. Once done, transfer the pastries to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
4. Whip Up the Lemon Filling
While the pastries are cooling, prepare the lemon filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, sifted icing sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency that isn’t too runny.
5. Assemble the Bites
Once the pastries have cooled, carefully slice each one horizontally. Spread a generous amount of the lemon filling on the bottom half of each pastry. Then, place the top half back on, with the sugared side facing up. The result is a delightful sandwich of zesty lemon goodness wrapped in a buttery, flaky shell.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon-filled puff pastry bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crisp. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat or as a light dessert at your next gathering.
Nutrition and Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes about 12 pastries
Indulge in these zesty lemon-filled puff pastry bites and treat yourself to a burst of citrusy flavor with every bite!