If there is a dessert that encapsulates all the elegance and indulgence of Neapolitan pastry in one bite, it is undoubtedly the Delicious Neapolitan.
The name itself is a promise: two discs of crumbly pastry that hold a generous heart of velvety cream, all finished with a crunchy cascade of hazelnut crumbs.
Making them at home is a small act of love that requires patience and dedication, but we assure you that the aroma that will fill your kitchen will reward your every effort.
They are the quintessential Sunday sweets, the ones that must never be missing from the classic tray of pastries, able to win over both adults and children with their timeless elegance.
In this recipe, we will reveal all the secrets for obtaining a melt-in-your-mouth pastry and a perfect filling, just like you could taste in a historic pastry shop on via Toledo.
Curious? Let’s find out right after the photo, as always, how to prepare the delicious Neapolitan, but first, look below at the other sweet recipes I propose, perfect for any occasion
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 30 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for the Delicious Neapolitan
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups potato starch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 7 oz butter
- 1 pinch salt
- Half packet baking powder
- 7 oz butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups fresh whipping cream
- 3/4 cup almond crumbs
Tools
- 1 Baking Sheet (for oven)
- Parchment Paper
- 1 Cutter round (2.4/3.1 inches)
- 1 Rolling Pin
How to Prepare the Delicious Neapolitan
To prepare the delicious Neapolitan, take the butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before using it.
On a work surface, sift together the flour and potato starch, then add the powdered sugar.
Make a hole in the center and add the baking powder, butter in pieces, the salt, the eggs and the yolk, and knead quickly as you would for a shortcrust pastry using your fingertips.
As soon as the ingredients are combined, form a smooth ball and wrap it in plastic wrap, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
After the resting time, take the shortcrust pastry and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of 1/16 to 1/8 inch, cut out discs with a cookie cutter or a glass.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 340°F in static mode.
Place the discs on the parchment paper and rework any excess dough to form more discs.
Bake the delicious Neapolitan in the oven for 12 minutes on the middle shelf, they should just turn golden, so check the degree of baking before removing them from the oven, let them cool.
Whip the fresh cream from the fridge until stiff and set aside.
In a bowl, work the butter together with the powdered sugar with electric beaters until creamy.
With a spatula, fold in the cream with gentle movements from bottom to top.
Once the discs are cool, fill the delicious Neapolitan pairing them two by two.
Roll them in the crumbs, sprinkle with more powdered sugar before serving.
Storage of Delicious Neapolitan
The delicious Neapolitan can be stored in the refrigerator inside an airtight container for 4 days.
If you want, you can freeze the delicious Neapolitan 1 hour before serving to have a delightful ice cream.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to store the Delicious Neapolitan?
You can store the Delicious in the refrigerator, inside an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days. We recommend taking them out about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the cream returns to its ideal consistency.
Can I prepare the pastry and cream in advance?
Of course! You can prepare both the shortcrust pastry and the cream the day before. In fact, resting in the fridge will make the pastry easier to roll and the cream will be firm and ready for filling.
What is the secret to not breaking the pastry discs?
The Delicious require a very crumbly pastry. The secret is to roll it out to an even thickness (about 3/16 inch) and let the discs cool completely before filling them; if you try to fill them while they are still warm, you risk breaking them.
Why must the cream be very firm?
Unlike other desserts, the cream of the Delicious must support the weight of the upper disc without spilling over the sides. If your cream seems too soft, let it rest in the refrigerator for a few more hours before assembling the dessert.
Is it possible to replace the hazelnuts?
The original Neapolitan recipe requires hazelnut crumbs (often from Giffoni), which give it that unmistakable flavor. However, if you prefer, you can use almond crumbs, knowing that the final flavor will be more delicate and less “traditional”.
