Asturian Carbayones Recipe

If you have a soft spot for pastries that are both rich in tradition and bursting with flavor, then Asturian Carbayones will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. These delightful pastries from Asturias, Spain, offer a beautiful combination of crisp puff pastry and a luscious almond filling, all topped with a sweet, glossy glaze that gives each bite a perfect finish. The blend of zesty lemon, cinnamon, and almonds makes Asturian Carbayones an irresistible treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or whenever you’re craving something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Asturian Carbayones are refreshingly straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture. From the flaky puff pastry that creates the perfect structure, to the fragrant almond filling, every element contributes to the magic of this classic recipe.

• 1 sheet puff pastry: This flaky base provides a light and buttery foundation that crisps beautifully during baking.
• 1 cup ground almonds: Ground almonds add a rich, nutty depth and moist texture to the filling.
• ½ cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the almond’s earthiness without overpowering the flavors.
• 2 eggs + 1 yolk: Eggs bind the filling ingredients and give it that luscious, custard-like consistency.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Lemon zest brightens the filling with a subtle, fresh citrus note.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that adds a hint of cozy depth and aroma.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): This fine sugar creates the perfect sweet and smooth finish topping.
• 2 tbsp water (for glaze): Water thins the powdered sugar to a spreadable consistency for the glaze.
• Optional: melted chocolate for drizzle: Adds a touch of indulgence and a beautiful contrast to the glaze.

How to Make Asturian Carbayones

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your sheet of puff pastry and cut it into rectangles that will fit snugly into your molds or muffin tins. Press the pastry gently into the tins ensuring the edges are sealed to hold the filling, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp shell around the luscious center.

Step 2: Make the Almond Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, eggs, an additional yolk, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is smoothly incorporated. This mixture is the heart of the Asturian Carbayones, with the almonds and lemon zest giving it that signature balance of richness and brightness.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Carefully spoon the almond filling into each puff pastry-lined mold, filling them generously but leaving a little space at the top for the filling to puff up as it bakes. Place the molds in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the filling is set. The smell while baking is nothing short of heavenly!

Step 4: Add the Glaze and Optional Chocolate Drizzle

Once out of the oven, let the pastries cool slightly. While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and water to create a smooth glaze. Spread this glaze over the top of each pastry, giving them their characteristic shiny, sweet finish. For an extra special touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed tops for a beautiful contrast in both flavor and appearance.

How to Serve Asturian Carbayones

Garnishes

While the classic glazed top is a showstopper on its own, consider adding a light sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds over the glaze to enhance the texture and nutty flavor. A small twist of lemon zest placed delicately on top adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh citrus aroma that pairs wonderfully with the spice of cinnamon.

Side Dishes

Asturian Carbayones shine as a standalone treat with a cup of strong coffee or a fragrant tea. For a heartier brunch, serve these alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. Their satisfying sweetness also complements savory cheese platters, making them a versatile candidate for a tapas spread or dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Asturian Carbayones on a tiered dessert stand garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint for contrast. You can also serve individual pastries in small decorative paper liners to emphasize their delicate nature. Drizzling different flavored sauces like raspberry coulis or caramel in artistic swirls on the plate adds a modern flair that guests will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the crispness of the puff pastry while keeping the almond filling moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Asturian Carbayones freeze well. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back their fresh-baked appeal, warm the pastries in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This will crisp up the pastry again without melting the glaze completely. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the pastry soggy.

FAQs

What makes Asturian Carbayones unique compared to other almond pastries?

Asturian Carbayones stand out due to their combination of flaky puff pastry with a distinctly lemon and cinnamon-spiced almond filling, topped with a glossy sugar glaze. This layering of textures and balanced flavors reflects the rich culinary heritage of Asturias.

Can I use store-bought ground almonds or should I grind my own?

Using store-bought ground almonds is perfectly fine and convenient. Just ensure they are finely ground for the smoothest filling. Grinding your own almonds can add freshness but isn’t necessary for this recipe’s success.

Is there a vegan alternative for the eggs in the filling?

Eggs are essential in this recipe for binding and structure, but if you’re seeking a vegan option, experimenting with flaxseed meal mixed with water might work. However, it may alter the texture and flavor, so proceed with caution and adjust baking time accordingly.

What type of puff pastry should I use for the best results?

For authentic texture, use high-quality, all-butter puff pastry if possible. It offers superior flakiness and flavor compared to margarine-based versions, and this richness complements the almond filling beautifully.

Can Asturian Carbayones be made gluten-free?

You can try substituting the puff pastry with a gluten-free version available in stores or homemade, but results may vary. The classic crisp and flaky texture might be slightly different, but the almond filling will still deliver fantastic flavor.

Final Thoughts

Asturian Carbayones are a wonderful way to bring a slice of Spanish tradition into your home baking adventures. Their irresistible combination of crisp puff pastry, warmly spiced almond filling, and glossy glaze is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. I encourage you to make a batch, savor each bite, and share this little taste of Asturias with your friends and family—it’s a treat that’s truly worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

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