Classic Italian Millefoglie: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1 cup of unsalted butter
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of ice water
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
1/3 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Start by mixing the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse sand.
Add the ice water gradually, stirring until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
While the pastry is cooling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
Once the pastry is cool, assemble the millefoglie by layering pastry, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of pastry.
Sift the powdered sugar over the top layer of pastry for a finishing touch.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the flour and salt together.
Baking sheets - Two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to bake the pastry.
Plastic wrap - To wrap the dough and refrigerate.
Rolling pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Pastry cutter - To cut the dough into rectangles.
Whisk - To beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together.
Sifter - To sift powdered sugar over the finished millefoglie.

Recipe variations

Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Try using different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches instead of strawberries.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the pastry and whipped cream for a richer flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Experiment with different flavored creams such as chocolate, coffee, or almond.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for a hint of spice.
Instead of traditional rectangular pastry, cut the dough into circles or other shapes for a unique presentation.
For a savory twist, substitute the sweet whipped cream with a savory cheese filling and top with roasted vegetables.
Drizzle a fruit or caramel sauce over the top layer of pastry for added sweetness and flavor.
Try using puff pastry instead of homemade dough for a quicker version of millefoglie.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a delightful Italian dessert with this Millefoglie recipe! Millefoglie, also known as a Napoleon in other parts of the world, is a layered pastry that combines light, flaky pastry with rich whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a sweet and satisfying treat. The preparation of this dessert involves making a homemade pastry dough, which is then baked until golden and crisp. The pastry is layered with a sweetened whipped cream and slices of fresh strawberries, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This Millefoglie is a truly elegant dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or casual gathering. Enjoy the process and the rewarding result of creating this classic Italian dessert at home!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the recipe.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour? All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try using a combination of cake flour and bread flour if needed.
How long does the dough need to chill in the refrigerator? The dough should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch? While it is possible to use store-bought puff pastry, the homemade dough will give you the best results.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative? Using heavy cream will provide the best texture and flavor, but you can try substituting with whipped topping or coconut cream if desired.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches.
What is the purpose of dusting powdered sugar on top? The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish to the millefoglie.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the flour, salt, and other ingredients.
Plastic Wrap - To wrap and refrigerate the dough.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Parchment Paper - Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the pastry from sticking.
Baking Sheets - Two baking sheets are needed to bake the pastry rectangles.
Whisk - Used to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together.
Sifter - To sift powdered sugar over the finished millefoglie.
Sharp Knife - Cutting the rolled-out dough into rectangles and slicing the strawberries.

Origin stories

Millefoglie, also known as Mille-feuille, is a delectable pastry that hails from France, despite its Italian name. The name "Millefoglie" literally translates to "a thousand layers", owing to its characteristic multi-layered puff pastry and cream filling. The dessert's creation dates all the way back to the 17th century, and it is believed to have been introduced by François Pierre La Varenne, a notable French chef. The dessert quickly became popular across Europe, each country adding its own twist to the classic recipe. The Italians, in particular, are known for using fresh fruit such as strawberries in their take on the recipe, hence the inclusion of strawberries in this rendition of the classic millefoglie. So, while you savour each bite, remember, you're partaking in a sweet piece of culinary history that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.