Do you want to make a tasty Swiss treat at home? In this post, we will show you how to bake your own Gipfeli, step by step. These crescent-shaped delights are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and we’ve made sure our guide is super simple to follow. So, let’s get baking and fill your home with the delicious smell of fresh Gipfeli recipe!
A Brief History of Gipfeli
Gipfeli has its roots in Austria, where a pastry called Kipferl has been savored since the 13th century. However, it was in Switzerland that Kipferl transformed, evolving into the beloved Gipfeli we know today.
Legend has it that during the 17th century, Viennese bakers sought refuge in Switzerland from the Turkish invasion, bringing along their pastry-making expertise. In adapting Kipferl to local tastes, they gave rise to the Swiss version of the pastry.
Over time, Gipfeli became ingrained in Swiss culinary culture, cherished as a breakfast staple, a delightful snack, or even as part of celebratory meals.
The Classic Gipfeli Recipe
To truly appreciate the art of Gipfeli-making, let’s start with the classic Gipfeli recipe. Here’s how to create your own batch of buttery goodness:
Ingredients
- 2 round spelled cake doughs, approx. 270 g each
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- Baking paper for the tray
Instructions
- To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Next, roll out the dough rounds into a rectangle with a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into long triangles.
- Starting from the wider end of each triangle, tightly roll the dough towards the pointed end to create a crescent shape.
- Arrange the shaped Gipfeli on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each pastry.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat an egg yolk and use a brush to apply it to the Gipfeli for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and have puffed up.
- Once done, allow the Gipfeli to cool before serving.
Variations of Gipfeli
While the classic Gipfeli recipe is beloved for its simplicity and timeless appeal, there are endless possibilities for customization. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Sweet vs. Savory: Although traditionally a sweet treat, consider trying out savory fillings for a distinctive twist. Try filling your Gipfeli with cheese, ham, or herbs for a delicious savory option that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Fillings and Toppings: Enhance your Gipfeli experience with unique fillings and toppings. Try out combinations such as chocolate, almond paste, or fruit preserves to add a delicious twist. For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse sugar on top of the pastries before baking.
- Seasonal Variations: Embrace the flavors of the season by incorporating seasonal ingredients into your Gipfeli. Gipfeli can be made with a variety of seasonal ingredients, such as fresh berries during the summer and spiced pumpkin puree in the fall. The possibilities for creating unique and flavorful Gipfeli are endless, as they can reflect the abundance of each season.
Hazelnut Gipfeli Recipe: A Nutty Indulgence
Hazelnut Gipfeli, offers a delightful twist on the classic croissant, infusing it with the rich flavor of hazelnuts. This recipe combines a buttery dough with a sweet hazelnut filling, resulting in an irresistible pastry.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1/3 cup (75ml) lukewarm milk
- 0.5 oz. (15g) fresh yeast
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120g) butter, room temperature
- 1/8 cup (25g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
For the filling
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60g) butter
- 2 2/3 cups (300g) ground hazelnuts
Instructions
- Warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature and mix in the fresh yeast.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, salt, egg yolk, and the yeast-milk mixture until a soft dough forms. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- For the filling, boil sugar and water, then add butter and hazelnuts to create a smooth mixture. Let it cool.
- Roll out the dough into rectangles, spread the filling, and roll up into croissants.
- Brush with egg yolk and cream mixture and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Tofu Peaks: A Savory Delight
For those craving a savory twist, Tofu Peaks offers a satisfying alternative. Packed with vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and a hint of curry spice, these pastries are perfect for any time of day. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a light lunch, Tofu Peaks are sure to please even the ones with the most picky tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 round spelled cake doughs, approx. 270 g each
- 200 g natural tofu (herbs, smoked, or ricotta)
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 2 tbsp nut butter (e.g., almond butter) or ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 grams of mixed vegetables, finely chopped (such as carrots, spring onions, and kohlrabi)
- 50 grams of cooked chickpeas, drained and roughly chopped (from a jar or can)
- Seed mix for sprinkling
Instructions
- Roll out the dough rounds and cut them into segments. Refrigerate.
- Puree tofu with garlic, nut butter, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in vegetables and chickpeas.
- Spread filling onto dough segments, brush edges with chickpea liquid, and roll up into croissants.
- Place on a baking tray, brush with chickpea liquid, sprinkle with seed mix and fleur de sel.
- Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot, warm, or cooled with a mixed salad or steamed vegetables.
Bottom Line
Whether you love the sweet classic Gipfeli Recipe or the savory twist of Tofu Peaks, these Swiss pastries are irresistible. By using a few simple ingredients and incorporating some creativity, you can easily master the art of making Gipfeli. Treat your loved ones to homemade delights that will surely impress. So, why not get started in the kitchen today? Your taste buds will be in for a treat!
Tags: Food RecipeGipfeli RecipeSwiss Pastry