Napoleones Bacolod is a delicate, flaky pastry filled with sweet custard and glazed with light icing, is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary emblem of Bacolod City.
This dessert’s rich flavor and texture tell a story of cultural fusion and culinary innovation, making it a cherished treat among locals and a must-try for visitors.
History of Napoleones Bacolod
Originally inspired by the French mille-feuille, Napoleones was adapted by local Filipino bakers in the city of Bacolod, located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its adaptation dates back to the early 20th century when local confectioners tweaked the European recipe to suit the Filipino palate, which favors a combination of sweet and creamy textures.
Over the decades, this pastry has become a staple in local bakeries and a point of pride for Bacolodnons.
What is the Best Napoleones in Bacolod?
Deciding on the best Napoleones in Bacolod can be as subjective as it is delicious, but many locals and tourists alike swear by the offerings at two renowned bakeries: Merzci and BongBong’s. Both establishments are celebrated for their mastery of this sweet, custardy confection, yet each presents a slightly different take that appeals to various palates.
Merzci’s Napoleones are noted for their particularly flaky pastry and perfectly balanced sweet glaze, creating a delightful texture and taste that many claim is unmatched. Meanwhile, BongBong’s offers a creamier custard filling that oozes with each bite, embraced by a crisp, buttery pastry that has garnered its own loyal following.
Choosing the best might just come down to personal preference between these two legendary versions, each of which encapsulates the culinary spirit of Bacolod with its unique flair.
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How to Make Napoleones Bacolod?
The primary components of Napoleones are simple yet require precise execution: puff pastry, custard filling, and a sugar glaze. The puff pastry is meticulously layered and baked until it rises and turns golden. Meanwhile, a rich custard is prepared with milk, sugar, and eggs, and cooked thickly. Once the pastry is ready and cooled, it is sliced open, filled with custard, and then topped with a thin glaze of sugar icing that hardens into a sweet shell.
Follow these steps to create these tempting treats. Begin with the puff pastry. For those who enjoy a culinary challenge, try making your puff pastry from scratch. Alternatively, you can use 2 rolls of pre-made puff pastry, which is what I used for this recipe.
- Start by shaping the first puff pastry into a rough square and slice it in half.
- Stack the first half on top of the second.
- Repeat with the second roll of puff pastry, placing the first on top of the second to create four layers of pastry.
- Then, divide the puff pastry into 8 smaller squares and refrigerate them to keep them chilled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 190°C / 374°F.
Cultural Significance of Napoleones Bacolod
In Bacolod, Napoleones is not just food; it symbolizes the sweet life of its people, known in the local dialect as “amihanon” — gentle and pleasant. It is a popular gift item during holidays and festivals, especially during the MassKara Festival, where its sweetness complements the city’s festive mood.
Variants of Napoleones Bacolod
While the traditional Napoleones remain popular, inventive bakers in Bacolod have introduced variants that include flavors like ube (purple yam), mango, and even durian. Each variant offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, catering to evolving tastes and preferences while maintaining the essence of the original.
Napoleones from Bacolod has evolved into a variety of delightful flavors beyond its classic vanilla custard filling. Here are some popular variants that cater to diverse tastes and preferences:
- Ube Napoleones: This version incorporates the rich, purple yam known as ube, which is a popular flavor in the Philippines. The vibrant purple filling offers a sweet, slightly nutty flavor, making it a colorful and tasty alternative to the traditional recipe.
- Mango Napoleones: A tropical twist on the traditional pastry, this variant uses ripe mangoes to create a sweet and tangy custard. The mango filling adds a fruity freshness that complements the flaky pastry, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of acidity in their desserts.
- Chocolate Napoleones: For chocolate lovers, some bakeries offer a chocolate-infused custard filling, combining the smoothness of chocolate with the crisp texture of the puff pastry. This version is often topped with a chocolate glaze instead of the usual white icing, doubling down on the cocoa delight.
- Durian Napoleones: Durian, known for its distinctive smell and taste, is used in this daring variant. It appeals to durian enthusiasts, offering a creamy, custard-like filling that carries the unique flavor of the fruit, creating a truly memorable dessert experience.
- Pandan Napoleones: Infused with aromatic pandan leaves, this version has a subtle, sweet, and floral flavor characteristic of Southeast Asian desserts. The green-hued pandan custard not only adds a burst of color but also a fragrant twist to the pastry.
- Coffee Napoleones: Ideal for coffee aficionados, this variant incorporates espresso or strong brewed coffee into the custard, offering a rich and robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet icing and buttery pastry.
Each of these variants brings a unique flavor profile to the traditional Napoleones, allowing both locals and visitors to explore new tastes while enjoying the familiar texture and craftsmanship of this beloved Bacolod pastry.
Best Places to Try Napoleones in Bacolod
Merzci and BongBong are two of the most famous bakeries where you can find authentic Napoleones. Each bakery has its take on the dessert, varying slightly in sweetness, custard texture, and pastry flakiness. A visit to these spots is essential for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Bacolod’s prized pastry.
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Making Napoleones at Home
For those who wish to recreate Napoleones at home, patience and precision are vital. Achieving the perfect flaky pastry and smooth custard can be challenging but rewarding. Home bakers are encouraged to stick to traditional methods before experimenting with new flavors or techniques.
Making Napoleones at home can be a rewarding endeavor for those who enjoy crafting their pastries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this beloved Filipino dessert in your kitchen:
Ingredients:
- For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 rolls of store-bought puff pastry (or homemade puff pastry if you prefer)
- For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Start by thawing the puff pastry if using store-bought. Roll out the pastry into two rough square shapes.
- Cut each square in half and stack them on top of each other, resulting in a four-layer stack.
- Cut this stack into 8 smaller square pieces.
- Place the squares on a baking sheet and refrigerate them while you prepare the custard. This helps keep the pastry cold and firm.
2. Make the Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch and gradually add milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly pouring in a small amount of the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, add vanilla extract, and continue to cook until the mixture reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator.
3. Assemble the Napoleones:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take the chilled pastry squares and bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Let the baked pastries cool completely before slicing each square horizontally to make room for the filling.
- Spread the custard evenly over the bottom half of each pastry square, then cover with the top half.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the top of each Napoleones.
5. Final Touch:
- Allow the glaze to set at room temperature. Optionally, you can refrigerate the Napoleones for a bit to firm up the custard and make them easier to cut and serve.
Creating Napoleones at home allows you to enjoy this traditional Filipino dessert with a personal touch. Whether sticking to the classic recipe or experimenting with different fillings, the process can be a fun and creative baking experience.
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Napoleones Bacolod Make Great Souvenirs
If you find yourself at Bacolod Airport and remember that you haven’t picked up souvenirs, or if you need to add to the ones you’ve already bought, don’t worry. Merci, conveniently situated within the airport, offers a wide array of items, including the delightful Napoleones and other local treats like Piayaya.
Should you have some time to spare in Bacolod City before your flight, consider stopping by Pendy’s on 25th Street. This shop boasts a broad range of food souvenirs, many of which are freshly prepared on-site.
Tips for Napoleones Bacolod
Enjoying Napoleones from Bacolod to the fullest involves more than just biting into these sweet pastries. Here are some tips to enhance your experience and appreciation of this beloved Filipino dessert:
- Choose Freshly Made: Always opt for Napoleones that are freshly made. The crispness of the puff pastry combined with the smooth custard is best enjoyed when it’s fresh from the bakery.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Napoleones can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you prefer the custard a bit firm, consider refrigerating the pastry before serving.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of Napoleones pairs wonderfully with the bitterness of coffee or the mildness of tea. Try it with a cup of Philippine Barako coffee or a soothing chamomile tea for a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Explore Variants: Don’t hesitate to try different flavors of Napoleones. Whether it’s the classic vanilla, the rich ube, or the tangy mango, each variant offers a unique taste experience.
- Mind the Glaze: The sugar glaze on top of Napoleones can be sticky. It’s part of the charm, but it’s good to be prepared with some napkins or even a small fork or spoon if you prefer not to get your fingers sticky.
- Check for Allergens: If you have food allergies, especially to eggs, dairy, or gluten, check the ingredients with the bakery. Since Napoleones is made with puff pastry, custard, and icing, it typically contains these allergens.
- Buy Extra to Share (or for Later): Napoleones makes a great souvenir or gift. If you’re visiting Bacolod, consider buying a few extra boxes to bring home. They can usually last a few days if kept refrigerated and can be a sweet reminder of your travels.
- Visit Renowned Bakeries: To get the best Napoleones experience, visit reputable bakeries known for their quality, such as BongBong’s or Merzci. These places often have the freshest and most authentic versions of the pastry.
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What is the Famous Delicacy in Bacolod?
Bacolod is renowned for its delightful array of sweet pastries and breads. Among the local favorites are piaya, the PBB trio consisting of potato cake, buko pie, and bichukoy, as well as cheese bread, Spanish bread, and pan de coco. However, the quintessential treat from Bacolod is undoubtedly the napoleones.
The Future of Napoleones
As global interest in Filipino cuisine grows, Napoleones stands out as a potential international ambassador for Filipino desserts. With its rich flavor and elegant presentation, it has the potential to grace dessert menus worldwide, introducing more palates to the sweetness of Bacolod.
Conclusion
Napoleones perfectly encapsulates the sweet, vibrant spirit of Bacolod. Whether you’re a local revisiting a favorite treat or a traveler discovering Filipino sweets for the first time, Napoleones offers a taste of the Philippines that is sure to delight.
