Napoleonka

Napoleonka

Napoleonka, also known as Kremówka, is a popular Polish type of cream pie. It is made of two layers of puff pastry, filled with whipped cream, creamy buttercream, vanilla pastry cream (custard cream) or sometimes egg white cream, and is usually sprinkled with powdered sugar. It is named after French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

History

The dessert is thought to have been created in the early 19th century following Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia. It is believed that the dessert was named in his honor. However, the exact origin of the Napoleonka is unclear, with some sources suggesting it was first made in the Polish city of Szczecin, while others claim it was first made in France.

Preparation

The preparation of a Napoleonka begins with the puff pastry. This is typically made by layering dough with butter, then folding and rolling it multiple times to create a flaky, light pastry. The pastry is then baked until it is golden brown and crispy.

The filling for the Napoleonka is typically a rich, creamy custard. This is made by combining milk, sugar, and egg yolks, then cooking the mixture until it thickens. The custard is then cooled and spread between the layers of puff pastry.

Finally, the Napoleonka is topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Some variations of the recipe may also include a layer of icing or a drizzle of chocolate on top.

Variations

There are many variations of the Napoleonka. Some versions use different types of cream for the filling, such as whipped cream or buttercream. Others may add additional flavors to the custard, such as vanilla or almond extract.

In addition to the traditional Napoleonka, there are also regional variations. For example, in the city of Poznań, the dessert is often made with a layer of meringue.

See Also

• List of Polish desserts
• French cuisine
• Polish cuisine

References

• Polish Desserts and Sweets - top 22 desserts from Poland
• The Story of Napoleonka and Kremówka
• Polish cuisine: a history

External Links

• Recipe for Napoleonka
• History of Napoleonka