How to Make Krempita: A Taste of Heaven in Every Bite

Krempita, also known as “Cremeschnitte” or “Napoleon Slice”, is a delectable dessert that has captured the hearts (and taste buds!) of many across Europe. Originating from Croatia, this delightful pastry boasts layers of crisp, flaky puff pastry, generously filled with a rich, creamy custard. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors – the buttery crunch of the pastry perfectly complementing the smooth, velvety custard.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress, yet surprisingly simple to make, look no further than Krempita. Let me guide you through the process, and I assure you, the result will be a delightful testament to your baking prowess.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 package (14.1 ounces) of puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)

For the Custard Filling:

• 6 cups of whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk

Krempita Custard Boiling

Tools of the Trade:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin

Let’s Bake Krempita!

Making the Puff Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your baking pan.
2. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the sheets slightly to fit your baking pan.
3. Place one sheet of puff pastry in the prepared pan. Prick the pastry all over with a fork. This will prevent the pastry from puffing up excessively while baking.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat the process for the remaining pastry sheet.
5. Once baked, let the pastry sheets cool completely.

Creating the Creamy Custard:

1. In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of milk, flour, and egg yolks until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the egg yolk mixture into the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Continue to cook the custard over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly.

Assembling Your Masterpiece:

1. Once the pastry sheets are completely cool, spread the custard evenly over one sheet.
2. Carefully place the second pastry sheet on top of the custard.
3. Prepare the topping by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Pour this glaze over the top pastry sheet, spreading it evenly.

The Final Touches:

1. Refrigerate the Krempita for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pastry to soften slightly.
2. When ready to serve, cut the Krempita into squares or rectangles.

Krempita Slices

Tips for Baking the Perfect Krempita:

• Don’t overbake the pastry! Overbaked puff pastry can become dry and crumbly.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract. The flavor of the vanilla really shines through in this dessert.
• Be patient while the custard thickens. It takes a bit of time, but the result is worth it.
• Chill the Krempita thoroughly. Chilling allows the flavors to develop and the pastry to soften.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

FAQs About Making Krempita:

Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, using store-bought puff pastry is perfectly acceptable and a great time-saver.

How do I store leftover Krempita?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

A Taste of Tradition:

Krempita is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. It’s a dish often found at special occasions and family gatherings, enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Now that you know How To Make Krempita, you too can share this delightful dessert with your loved ones. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!