How to Make Delicious Spiral Durian Puffs: A Sweet and Creamy Treat

Durian is a fruit that’s often referred to as the “king of fruits,” and its intense flavor and distinct aroma set it apart from any other fruit in the world. While its fragrance is a divisive topic, there’s no denying that durian is a beloved ingredient in many Southeast Asian desserts. One such delectable treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of durian with the flaky texture of pastry is the Spiral Durian Puff.

Spiral Durian Puffs are a delightful pastry, known for their tender, flaky layers and their rich, custard-like filling made from fresh durian. These puffs are not only a perfect snack or dessert for durian enthusiasts, but they’re also a creative way to showcase this unique fruit in a more approachable, bite-sized form.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to try something new, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to make your very own Spiral Durian Puffs at home. From preparing the filling to mastering the art of spiral pastry, this recipe will have you creating this delicious treat in no time.

What You Need: Ingredients for the Perfect Spiral Durian Puffs

To make Spiral Durian Puffs, you will need a few essential ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the list – these ingredients are easy to find, and most are pantry staples.

For the Durian Filling:

500g of fresh durian pulp (you can use frozen durian if fresh is unavailable)
100g of sugar (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
1 egg (for binding)
100g of unsalted butter (melted)
1 tablespoon of cornflour (to thicken)
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)

For the Puff Pastry:

500g of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade; store-bought is often more convenient)
1 egg (for egg wash)
A pinch of salt (for flavor)
Flour for dusting

Optional:

Powdered sugar for dusting the finished puffs
A dash of salt for the filling to balance the sweetness

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part—making these spiral durian puffs!

Step 1: Preparing the Durian Filling

The first step in making these puffs is to prepare the creamy durian filling. Durian is the star of this dish, and its unique flavor is what will make these puffs so special.

Extract the Durian Pulp:
If you’re using fresh durian, carefully cut open the durian and scoop out the pulp. Durian has large seeds, so be sure to remove them and only keep the soft, creamy flesh. If you’re using frozen durian, thaw it out completely and remove any seeds.
Blend the Durian:
Place the durian pulp into a blender or food processor and blend it until smooth. You want a thick, custard-like consistency. If the durian is too thick, you can add a little water to help it blend smoothly.
Cook the Durian Filling:
Transfer the smooth durian pulp into a medium-sized saucepan and place it over low heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Gradually mix in the melted butter and continue to cook the mixture, stirring regularly.
Thicken the Filling:
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornflour in a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the durian mixture while stirring. This will help thicken the filling and make it more stable inside the pastry.
Bind with an Egg:
Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, crack in the egg and stir well to combine. The egg will give the filling a richer texture. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the filling is smooth, thick, and slightly glossy.
Cool the Filling:
Remove the durian mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. It is important that the filling is cool before it’s added to the pastry, as hot filling can cause the puff pastry to melt and lose its shape.

Step 2: Preparing the Puff Pastry

While the durian filling is cooling, it’s time to prepare the puff pastry. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make the puff pastry from scratch, I’ll briefly go over the steps here.

Making Puff Pastry from Scratch:
Making puff pastry at home can be a bit time-consuming but very rewarding. The key is to create multiple layers of dough and butter to ensure a flaky texture. This process is called lamination, and it involves folding and rolling out the dough multiple times.

However, for the sake of simplicity, I recommend using store-bought puff pastry for this recipe. It will save you time without compromising too much on taste.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Be sure to roll evenly so that the pastry layers will bake uniformly.
Cut into Strips:
Use a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry into long, rectangular strips. You’ll need about 6-8 strips, depending on the size of your puffs.
Chill the Pastry:
It’s important to chill the pastry for 15-20 minutes before working with it to ensure that it keeps its shape during baking.

Step 3: Assembling the Spiral Durian Puffs

Now that you have your filling and pastry ready, it’s time to assemble the puffs.

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Fill the Pastry Strips:
Take a strip of puff pastry and place a spoonful of the cooled durian filling in the center. Be generous with the filling but don’t overfill, as it can leak out during baking.
Form the Spiral:
Carefully roll the pastry strip with the filling into a spiral shape. Start from one end and roll tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides to avoid any gaps where the filling could escape.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
Beat an egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to brush the tops of each spiral puff. This will give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
Place on the Baking Tray:
Arrange the spirals on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each one so they can expand as they bake.

Step 4: Baking the Spiral Durian Puffs

Bake the Puffs:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy. The layers should be flaky, and the aroma of the baked durian filling will fill your kitchen.
Cool the Puffs:
Once the puffs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set and prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

Your Spiral Durian Puffs are now ready to be served! These puffs are best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven when the pastry is crispy and the durian filling is still warm and creamy. However, they can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, though the pastry may lose some of its crispiness.

Optional Garnish:
If you want to elevate the look of your puffs, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A small sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavor of the durian filling and provide a beautiful contrast to the sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Spiral Durian Puffs

Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry tends to soften as it warms up, so make sure to keep the pastry cool while you’re assembling the puffs. If needed, place the strips in the fridge for a few minutes before working with them.
Use Fresh Durian: If possible, use fresh durian for the best flavor. The sweetness and richness of fresh durian will shine through in the filling.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. When ready to bake, just assemble the puffs and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

Making Spiral Durian Puffs is a fun and rewarding project for any home baker. The flaky, golden pastry and the creamy, aromatic durian filling come together to create a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re a durian lover or someone who’s just starting to experiment with this unique fruit, these puffs are an excellent way to explore durian in a new, creative way.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious Spiral Durian Puffs. Your taste buds will thank you!