Smalkmaizītes with Cream

This delightful European pastry is a culinary experience that combines soft, fluffy buns soaked in a fragrant citrus syrup and topped with a rich, smooth cream. The process involves crafting a yeast dough that is left to rise and then baked to perfection. Meanwhile, a syrup infused with orange zest and rum essence is prepared, into which the freshly baked buns are dipped. The result is an incredibly moist and flavorful pastry that is luxurious and satisfying. Served with a homemade custard cream and fresh berries, this dessert is sure to impress. It's a perfect treat for special occasions or a sophisticated end to a dinner party. The combination of textures and flavors is enchanting, as the sweetness of the cream balances the zingy syrup, while the berries provide a fresh contrast. This recipe takes some time but is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Follow these detailed instructions to create a memorable and indulgent dessert. Bon appétit!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 100 ml milk
• 10 g fresh yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 25 g sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 50 g butter

For the Syrup:

• 500 g water
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 250 g sugar
• A few drops of rum essence (to taste)

For Serving:

• 300 g heavy cream, sweetened to taste
• Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Mint leaves for garnish

For the Custard Cream:

• 1 egg
• 160 ml milk
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 180 minutes (including 60 minutes for dough rising)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix eggs with sugar and salt. You can use either a spoon or a mixer with dough hooks.
2. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and stir it into the egg mixture.
3. Add half of the flour and melted butter, and mix thoroughly.
4. Incorporate the remaining flour and knead the dough until it becomes thick and sticky.
5. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it triples in volume.
6. Once risen, mix the dough again, then fill oiled molds halfway. If using silicone molds, oiling is unnecessary.
7. Cover with plastic wrap or a bag and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 25 minutes or until the buns rise and brown nicely.
9. While the buns bake, make the syrup: zest the orange, juice it, and combine with water and sugar in a pot. Simmer under a lid for 15 minutes.
10. Add rum essence to the syrup to taste, then remove from heat.
11. Submerge hot buns in the syrup. Freshly baked buns absorb the syrup better; if cooled, they may require more soaking time.
12. Prepare the Custard Cream: Beat the egg with sugar and corn starch. Gradually add warm milk while stirring.
13. Cook over a water bath, stirring continuously until thickened. Mix in vanilla sugar.
14. Allow the custard to cool completely.
15. Whip the heavy cream with additional sugar to taste and fold into the cooled custard.
16. Assemble the Dessert: Place fresh berries in a glass or dessert dish, add custard cream, and top with a bun.
17. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with mint leaves and raspberries.
18. Optionally, serve with custard topped with berries, placing the bun on top, then pipe whipped cream and dust with cocoa.
19. Allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall experience.
20. Enjoy your elegant dessert!

Tips

• Dough Mixing: The longer you knead the dough, the better the texture will be.
• Syrup Soaking: Ensure buns are warm to maximize syrup absorption; adjust soaking time based on bun temperature.
• Custard Technique: Constant stirring prevents lumps; patience ensures a silky finish.

Nutritions

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 58g

Variations

• Substitute rum essence with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
• Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Experiment with other fruit zests like lemon or lime for different aromas.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of dessert wine or champagne for a lavish finish.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Garnish with edible flowers for an aesthetic touch.

Best Places

• Café Central - Offers classic pastries in a historic setting. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Ladurée - Renowned for its exquisite desserts. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Known for traditional Italian sweets. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/A, Milan, Italy.
• Café de la Paix - An elegant spot with a rich pastry selection. Location: 5 Place de l’Opéra, Paris, France.
• Conditori La Glace - Denmark’s oldest patisserie. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Café Landtmann - Offers Viennese classics in an upscale venue. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
• El Moro - Specializes in churros and hot chocolate. Location: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Café Sacher - Famous for its Sachertorte. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Salzburg, Austria.
• Angelina - Offers luxurious hot chocolate and pastries. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Demel - A prestigious Viennese cake shop. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.