Inside: Learn how to make a beautiful Christmas Wreath pastry dessert using phyllo dough. You will impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. You will learn what phyllo dough is and alternate fillings to use to make your wreath unique!
As the festive season arrives there’s no better time to try your hand at a dessert that will be stunning and delicous!
This Christmas Wreath pastry is delectable dessert using the flaky layers of phyllo dough.
You will love the golden, paper-thin layers that hold the promise of a crispy, flaky delight, perfectly suited for the season of indulgence.
By following our step by step instructions you too can learn how to make a Christmas dessert that will be a masterpiece of both artistry and flavor, a delightful centerpiece for your festive celebration.
What is phyllo dough?
Phyllo pastry (also spelled filo or fillo) is a type of dough used in various Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Phyllo pastry sheets are thin layers of this dough that come packaged and can be used to create a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes.
These sheets are typically sold in a frozen state and need to be thawed before use. The thinness of phyllo pastry sheets allows for the creation of delicate and crispy layers when baked. Many popular dishes, such as baklava, spanakopita, and various appetizers, use phyllo pastry to achieve a flaky and light texture.
When working with phyllo pastry sheets, it’s essential to handle them carefully, as they are thin and delicate.
Phyllo pastry sheets offer a versatile and convenient option for creating impressive and flavorful dishes with a delightful texture.
How to make a Christmas Wreath Pastry
Ingredients:
1 package of Phyllo pastry sheets
1 cup of unsalted butter melted for brushing
Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla- lemon Custard :
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
3/4 cup of sugar
Lemon peel from one lemon
1 cup of arrowroot powder or cornstarch or Maizena choose your favorite.
3 cups of milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 tbsp of vanilla
Instructions:
- Melt the butter add the sugar, and lemon peel
- Pour the evaporated milk and mix
- In a large cup mix the cornstarch and the 3 cups of cold milk until is not lumpy
- Pour the milk and whisking constantly in a medium heat and keep whisking until the custard thickens
- Set aside to cool down
*I follow the baking time from the box of the pastry and it took mine just took 18 minutes.
How to fold the pastry
- Lay one phyllo dough vertically and brush with butter then place another sheet on top and brush with butter
- Heap one tablespoon of custard (or filling of your choice) at the bottom right
- Heap on tablespoon of custard at the bottom left and one tablespoon in the center
- Fold phyllo dough over custard and seal by pressing down
- Fold again and bring in the sides, the fold up once more
- Crinckle excess phyllo and fold the pastry parcel over so it stis on top- then turn it over
- Use a scissor to cut into three parcles and pinch ends tightly. Repeat.
- Place in a baking pie dish and brush with butter
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes
- Remove from oven and pour cooled syrup over the pastry and arange in a wreath shape
Christmas Wreath Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 package of Phyllo pastry sheets
- 1 cup of unsalted butter melted for brushing
- Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla- lemon Custard :
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- Lemon peel from one lemon
- 1 cup of arrowroot powder or cornstarch or Maizena choose your favorite.
- 3 cups of milk
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp of vanilla
Instructions
To make the custard filling
- Melt the butter add the sugar, and lemon peel
- Pour the evaporated milk and mix
- In a large cup mix the cornstarch and the 3 cups of cold milk until is not lumpy
- Pour the milk and whisking constantly in a medium heat and keep whisking until the custard thickens
- Set aside to cool down
How to fold the pastry
- Lay one phyllo dough vertically and brush with butter then place another sheet on top and brush with butter
- Heap one tablespoon of custard (or filling of your choice) at the bottom right
- Heap on tablespoon of custard at the bottom left and one tablespoon in the center
- Fold phyllo dough over custard and seal by pressing down
- Fold again and bring in the sides, the fold up once more
- Crinckle excess phyllo and fold the pastry parcel over so it stis on top- then turn it over
- Use a scissor to cut into three parcles and pinch ends tightly. Repeat.
- Place in a baking pie dish and brush with butter
- Bake for about 18-20 minutes
- Remove from oven and pour cooled syrup over the pastry and arange in a wreath shape
Nutrition
Other filling ideas
Phyllo dough’s versatility allows for a wide range of both sweet and savory fillings. Here are some delicious ideas to inspire your phyllo dough dish:
Savory Fillings:
- Spinach and Feta: A classic combination for spanakopita. Sautéed spinach, onions, and garlic mixed with crumbled feta cheese.
- Cheese and Herb: Blend cream cheese or ricotta with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley.
- Mushroom and Gruyère: Sautéed mushrooms with shallots and Gruyère cheese for a rich and earthy filling.
- Sundried Tomato and Pesto: Spread pesto on the phyllo sheets and layer with sundried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
- Buffalo Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, mixed with cream cheese or blue cheese, for a spicy twist.
Sweet Fillings:
- Apple and Cinnamon: Sliced apples mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of nutmeg for a comforting dessert.
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Spread Nutella or a homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread between the layers for a decadent treat.
- Berry and Cream: A mix of fresh berries layered with sweetened whipped cream or a custard.
- Honey and Walnut: Chopped walnuts mixed with honey and a hint of cinnamon for a sweet and nutty filling.
- Pumpkin and Spice: A seasonal favorite with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Remember to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter or oil as you assemble your dish to achieve that desired flaky and crispy texture. Whether you choose a savory or sweet direction, phyllo dough provides a perfect canvas for creating impressive and delicious dishes.