Travesseiro de Sintra
Travesseiro de Sintra, meaning 'Sintra pillow', is a famous Portuguese pastry consisting of flaky puff pastry filled with a rich, sweet almond cream. These delicate pastries are a beloved specialty from the town of Sintra.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-butter puff pastry(Store-bought or homemade. Ensure it's good quality for best results.)
- 300 g Almond cream (Frangipane)(This is typically made from ground almonds, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of liqueur or extract. You can find pre-made versions or recipes online.)
- 4 Egg yolks(For the egg wash, to give the pastry a golden sheen.)
- for dusting Powdered sugar(To finish the pastries after baking.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the almond cream. If making from scratch, combine 200g ground almonds, 100g granulated sugar, 100g unsalted butter (softened), 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp almond extract or a splash of rum. Mix until smooth and creamy. If using store-bought, ensure it's at room temperature for easy spreading.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Gently unfold or roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to about 3-4mm thickness. Cut the pastry into 12 equal rectangles, approximately 10cm x 15cm (4 x 6 inches).
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Spread a generous layer of almond cream onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill, as the cream will expand slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Whisk the egg yolks with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the borders of the pastry rectangles with the egg wash. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and extra security.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Place the folded pastries onto the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg wash. Using a sharp knife, make a small slit or two on the top of each pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, deeply golden brown, and crisp. The almond cream should be set and lightly golden.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 8
Remove the Travesseiros from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled but still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, use all-butter puff pastry. The layers will be more distinct and flavorful.
- ✓Ensure the almond cream is spread evenly, but not too close to the edges, to prevent leakage during baking.
- ✓Serve these pastries warm or at room temperature. They are particularly delicious with a cup of coffee or a glass of Port wine.
- ✓The slit on top of the pastry helps prevent it from bursting unevenly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a small amount of lemon zest to the almond cream for a brighter flavor.
- For a richer filling, incorporate a tablespoon of good quality jam (like apricot or fig) into the almond cream.
- Experiment with different liqueurs in the almond cream, such as orange liqueur (Grand Marnier) or amaretto.