Delicious Gipfeli Recipe: A Yummy Treat!
Are you looking for a tasty and easy-to-make pastry? Try making Gipfeli!
Gipfeli (pronounced as “gip-fuh-lee”) is a popular Swiss pastry that is similar to a croissant. It’s flaky, buttery, and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
In this article, we’ll share a simple Gipfeli recipe that you can make at home. We’ll also explain the difference between Gipfeli and croissants, and give you some tips on how to eat a Gipfeli.
Gipfeli Recipe
Golden and flaky Gipfeli – a buttery delight to start your day!
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 10 g salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 20 g fresh yeast active dry yeast can be used as a substitute
- 250 ml milk at room temperature
- 60 g sugar
- 80 g European butter at room temperature (preferably unsalted and with a high fat content)
- 200 g ground almonds
- 120 g sugar for filling
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 100 ml apple juice Süssmost
- 100 g powdered sugar for the glaze
- 2 tbsp apple juice or water for the glaze
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, sugar, and yeast until the yeast is fully dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk mixture. Mix the dough using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the butter to the dough and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer (for 5-7 minutes) with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Allow the almonds to cool completely.
- In a food processor or blender, grind the cooled almonds into a fine powder.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground almonds, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the apple juice to the almond mixture and mix until a thick paste forms. You may not need to use all of the apple juice, so add it gradually and be prepared to stop adding juice when the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Gipfeli
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
- Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles.
- Cut each rectangle into a triangle by cutting along the diagonal.
- Place a log of the almond filling at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle into a crescent shape, starting from the wide end. Place the rolled Gipfeli on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each pastry.
Step 4: Bake the Gipfeli
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the tops of the Gipfeli with a little bit of milk or beaten egg.
- Bake the Gipfeli for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the Gipfeli from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before glazing.
Step 5: Glaze the Gipfeli
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and apple juice or water until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Gipfeli.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- To achieve the characteristic flaky layers in Gipfeli, it’s essential to keep the butter cold and to roll out the dough thinly.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your taste.
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, to give the Gipfeli extra flavor and texture.
- Gipfeli are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze them for up to 2 months for longer storage.
What’s the difference between a Gipfeli and a Croissant?
Gipfeli and Croissants are very similar pastries, but with some key differences:
- Origins and History:
- Croissant: The croissant, a symbol of French cuisine, has mysterious origins. Some claim it originated in Austria, while others attribute its creation to French bakers. Regardless, it became a beloved breakfast staple in France and beyond.
- Gipfeli: The gipfeli (also known as kipferi) is a Swiss pastry enjoyed for centuries. Its name comes from the German word “Gipfel,” meaning “peak,” aptly describing its distinctive crescent shape. It’s a traditional treat in Switzerland, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe.
- Ingredients and Preparation:
- Croissant: Croissants are made with laminated dough. This involves rolling and folding yeast-based dough with layers of cold butter. After proofing, they’re baked to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender, airy interior.
- Gipfeli: Unlike croissants, gipfeli use a yeast-based dough that’s rolled and shaped into a crescent. They’re often enriched with butter or margarine and can be filled with sweet (like jams or chocolate) or savory fillings (such as ham and cheese).
- Taste and Texture:
- Croissant: Renowned for its buttery, flaky texture, the croissant boasts a golden brown, crispy exterior. Inside, it’s soft, airy, and delicately flavored.
- Gipfeli: While also flaky, gipfeli has a denser texture. Its flavor is more pronounced, with subtle sweetness and a hint of yeast.
- Shape and Size:
- Croissants are typically larger, with a pointed tip.
- Gipfeli are smaller and have a more pronounced curve.
- Popularity and Availability:
- Croissants are globally popular, especially in French-inspired bakeries.
- Gipfeli are beloved in German-speaking Switzerland and neighboring regions.
- Which Pastry to Choose?:
- If you crave flakiness and a delicate flavor, go for a croissant.
- For a denser pastry with pronounced flavor and potential fillings, opt for a gipfeli.
In summary, both pastries have their unique charm – whether you’re sipping coffee in a Parisian café or enjoying the Swiss Alps.
Filling Variations for Gipfeli Recipe
Here are some additional filling variations that can be used in the Swiss Gipfeli recipe
- Swiss Chocolate Delight: Fill the Gipfeli with a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent and indulgent treat reminiscent of Swiss chocolate craftsmanship.
- Alpine Nutty Bliss: Incorporate a blend of toasted almonds and hazelnuts in a creamy almond paste filling to capture the essence of the Swiss Alps in every bite.
- Apple Strudel Fusion: Create a filling with spiced apple compote and a hint of cinnamon, paying homage to the classic Swiss apple strudel flavors.
- Honeyed Walnut Wonder: Combine crushed walnuts with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and nutty filling that adds a touch of sophistication to the Gipfeli.
- Berries and Cream Dream: Introduce a burst of freshness by filling the Gipfeli with a mixture of fresh berries and a light vanilla cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Orange and Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of orange marmalade on one half of the Gipfeli then top with a dollop of cream cheese. Fold the other half over to create a tangy and sweet combination.
- Lemon Curd: Spread a layer of lemon curd on one half of the Gipfeli then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Fold the other half over to create a tangy and sweet combination.
- Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread a layer of peanut butter on one half of the croissant, then top with sliced banana. Fold the other half over to create a creamy and sweet combination.
How to Eat a Gipfeli
Gipfeli are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but there are lots of ways to enjoy them:
- Plain: Enjoy a Gipfeli all on its own for a simple and delicious treat.
- With Butter and Jam: Slice your Gipfeli in half and spread on some butter and jam for a sweet and savory combination.
- As a Sandwich: Slice your Gipfeli in half and fill it with your favorite sandwich ingredients like ham and cheese or avocado and tomato.
- Dipped in Coffee: Dip a piece of your Gipfeli into a cup of hot coffee for a classic European breakfast experience.
Now that you know how to make and enjoy Gipfeli, it’s time to get baking! Have fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
FAQs
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Gipfeli at home, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious Swiss pastry! With its buttery layers and irresistible flavor, Gipfeli is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking!
