Fairground Favourite Elephant Ears (Palmiers)

Craving crispy, sweet elephant ear pastry? Make these easy palmiers at home! Flaky, buttery, and ready in under an hour. Get the recipe!

Right then, ready to dive into a proper treat? Let's talk about the elephant ear pastry . You know, that classic fairground snack that’s just pure, unadulterated joy? Honestly, who can resist that flaky, sugary goodness?

Craving Crispy Delight? Let's Make Elephant Ears!

These fried elephant ears , also known as palmiers if you’re feeling fancy, are surprisingly easy to whip up at home.

Originating in france, these pastries are a testament to simple ingredients done right. this elephant ear recipe easy is a medium difficulty endeavor.

Get ready for about an hour and fifteen minutes of kitchen fun, and you'll end up with around 12-16 elephant ear fried dough treats.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe? it's an instant mood booster! whether you need a quick elephant ear dessert after a long day or want to impress your mates, these baked elephant ears are always a winner.

Plus, using puff pastry means you get that amazing flaky texture without hours of work. i'm using store-bought dough, ok? no judging.

You can also try the baked elephant ears recipe version to try something different.

From Fairground to Your Kitchen

You know, the first time i tried one of these was at the local fair. honestly, i couldn't get enough of that crispy, sugary elephant ear dough recipe .

I spent about £10 on the thing. that's when i knew i had to learn how to make an elephant ear myself.

Gather Your Bits and Bobs

Time to gather your ingredients. you'll need one sheet of puff pastry and one cup of granulated sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, but recommended), and a pinch of sea salt.

That's it. keep the puff pastry cool, whatever you do!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail these elephant ear pastries . honestly, it's simpler than you think! i remember the first time i tried making fried elephant ears ; the list seemed intimidating, but trust me, it's all doable.

Ingredients for Elephant Ear Glory

Here's the lowdown on the stuff you'll need. Don't skimp on quality where it matters, yeah?

Main Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (14.1 oz / 400g ) frozen puff pastry, thawed but cold . Get the all-butter kind if you can. It makes all the difference, you know?

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup ( 200g ). The regular stuff works fine.

• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp (optional). If you want that warm, cozy vibe.

• Sea Salt: A pinch. Just a wee bit to wake up the sweetness.

For the puff pastry, make sure it's not rock solid, but still cold. Room temperature is a no-no . You want those beautiful layers, right?

Seasoning Notes

This is where you can get a bit creative.

• Cinnamon is classic. Apple pie spice works great too.
• A tiny drop of vanilla extract in the sugar mix? Game changer.
• Don't have cinnamon? Nutmeg or even a little ginger are awesome substitutes.

Honestly, the basic sugar and maybe some cinnamon is all you really need to make elephant ears sing.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, buttercup.

• Cutting Board: A large one.
• Rolling Pin: For coaxing that pastry.
• Baking Sheet: Gotta have it.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Keeps things from sticking.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the sugar and cinnamon.
• Sharp Knife: To slice our pastries.
• Rolling Pin: Needed for flattening the dough to achieve the iconic shape.

Don't have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle can do the trick. I've been there, done that.

So there you have it. everything you need to embark on your elephant ear dough recipe journey. next up, the actual baking! and don't worry, even if they don't look perfect the first time, they'll still taste amazing.

You'll be saying, "oh my gosh! i can how to make an elephant ear ." i promise!.

Alright, let's talk about mastering the art of the elephant ear pastry ! i swear, these things are like a little taste of childhood.

Remember the county fair? the smell of fried dough? oh my gosh! let's get into it.

Prep: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , darlings! get everything prepped. you'll need 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry, 1 cup of sugar, and maybe a pinch of cinnamon.

Honestly, organization is key to saving your sanity. lay out some parchment paper. trust me, you'll thank me later. just try to resist sneaking a taste of that sugar.

I know, it’s tempting!

The Step-by-Step

Okay, here's the lowdown on how to make an Elephant Ear recipe easy :

1. Sprinkle sugar on your work surface.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on the sugar.
3. Fold one side to the middle. Sugar it!
4. Fold the other side. More sugar!
5. Fold in half like a book.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes . Important!
7. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
8. Slice and bake for 15- 20 minutes . Flip halfway.

Look for a gorgeous golden brown.

Pro Tips From Your Mate

Want to take your fried elephant ears to the next level? I've got you, my friend.

• Don't overwork the dough . Handle it gently, like it's your nan's best china.
• Resist the urge to skip the chilling. It's crucial.
• Want to make elephant ears ahead? Freeze the folded dough. Then, just slice and bake.

One time, I tried to rush the chilling step. Big mistake! The elephant ear fried dough turned out a greasy mess. Don't be like me. Patience is a virtue!

The Grand Finale

Honestly, there's nothing quite like a warm, crispy elephant ear dessert . whether you call them palmiers or baked elephant ears , they are delish.

I personally love them with a sprinkle of icing sugar and a strong cuppa. give this a bash, and i guarantee, you'll be transported back to those happy fairground days.

And for all of you, diet concious ones, there's also the baked elephant ears recipe alternative, however, the magic lies in the deep fried version, right?

Alright, let's chat about some important bits for nailing these fairground favourite elephant ears ! or, as fancy folks might call them, palmiers.

We all want that perfect, flaky, sweet treat, right? so, listen up!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Elephant Ears

Sweet Serving Suggestions for Your Elephant Ear Dessert

Right, so you've got your lovely elephant ear pastry . what now? honestly, presentation is key! think dusting with a bit more icing sugar.

Arranging them artfully on a plate. they look amazing on a tiered cake stand. you know?

Pair them with a simple vanilla ice cream. or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream. a hot cuppa is always a winner.

Earl grey, anyone? if you are feeling extra, a glass of dessert wine goes a treat!

Savvy Storage Tips For Baked Elephant Ears

Okay, so maybe you haven't eaten them all in one go! I know, hard to believe. If you've somehow managed to resist, here's the lowdown.

Refrigeration: pop them in an airtight container. they'll keep for a couple of days. though, honestly, they are best fresh.

Freezing: freezing cooked pastries? not the best idea. they might lose some of their crispness. but hey, needs must! wrap them well.

Reheating: give them a quick blast in a medium oven. or even the air fryer for a super quick crisp-up.

But keep a good eye on it.

Variations: Because We're All a Bit Different

Fancy mixing things up? Course you do!

• Dietary Adaptations: Gluten-free elephant ear pastry ? Tricky but possible. You'll need a good gluten-free puff pastry. Be warned it's not the same, but still good, innit? Vegan? Use a vegan puff pastry, too easy.
• Seasonal Swaps: Christmas coming? Add some orange zest and mixed spice to the sugar. Autumn? A sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts. Ooh la la!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy...

Let's be real. These aren't health food. But, everything in moderation, right? You know, that's what my mum says.

They're mostly carbs and sugar. Giving you a quick energy boost. A bit of fat from the butter. But, honestly, they're about the joy , okay? Treat yourself!

Conclusion:

Making fried elephant ears (or baked elephant ears , if you're feeling virtuous) at home is easier than you think! don't be scared to have a go, use my elephant ear dough recipe .

With a bit of practice, you'll be whipping up these elephant ear fried dough treats like a pro. even if it doesn't look amazing first time, the taste will be unreal.

And who cares about a few imperfections? go on. make elephant ears! . you'll be chuffed you did! also, try my elephant ear recipe easy .

I think you deserve it. how to make an elephant ear ? you just learnt!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are Elephant Ears (Palmiers) anyway? Are they difficult to make?

Think of Elephant Ears, also known as Palmiers, as the "posh crisps" of the pastry world! They're essentially flaky, buttery puff pastry cookies coated in caramelized sugar, shaped a bit like, well, elephant ears. While they look fancy, they're surprisingly simple to make at home, even if you're not quite ready for The Great British Bake Off. The key is using good quality puff pastry and keeping it nice and cold.

My elephant ear pastry turned out soggy! What did I do wrong?

Soggy Elephant Ears are a right bummer, aren't they? The most common culprit is not getting the puff pastry cold enough before baking. Make sure it's well-chilled after folding and before slicing. Also, check your oven temperature – if it's too low, the pastry won't crisp up properly. Finally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; give each pastry room to breathe and caramelize.

Can I make elephant ear pastry ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the folded and sugared puff pastry up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to slice and bake. You can also bake the elephant ears and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Though they are best enjoyed fresh, like a good cuppa!

Are there any fun variations I can try with my elephant ear pastry?

Oh, you bet your bottom dollar there are! Fancy a bit of spice? Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom to your sugar mixture. Citrus zest (lemon or orange) can also add a lovely zing. For something richer, brush the pastry with melted butter before adding the sugar, like treating yourself to a proper sticky toffee pudding. Get creative and make them your own!

How can I store leftover elephant ears? And how long will they last?

To keep your leftover Elephant Ears crisp and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll generally last for up to 2 days, but honestly, they're so scrumptious, they'll probably be gone before you even have to think about it! Just don't store them in the fridge, as the moisture will make them lose their delightful crunch – nobody wants a soggy bottom, after all!

Are elephant ear pastries bad for you?

Let's be honest, Elephant Ear pastries are a treat, not a health food. They're relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Consider them an occasional indulgence, like a proper fry-up on a Sunday morning, rather than an everyday staple.

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