Description
Bright, flaky, and filled with zesty sunshine, Italian Lemon Spread Delight brings a rich lemon curd layered atop golden puff pastry. Topped with powdered sugar and fresh mint, this elegant treat is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a refreshing afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
2 large eggs
0.75 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves
Extra lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
2. Place the pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until fully melted and smooth.
4. Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll puff pastry if needed and cut into desired shapes.
6. Place pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash (egg mixed with water).
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Once cool, spoon or pipe lemon curd onto one puff pastry piece. Top with another if desired.
9. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint and lemon zest.
10. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Lemon curd can be made up to a week in advance and stored refrigerated.
Only zest the yellow part of the lemon skin to avoid bitterness.
Use a fine sieve to ensure smooth lemon curd.
Store puff pastry layers separately to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry with curd
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 130
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: lemon dessert, puff pastry, brunch dessert, lemon curd