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If you are looking for a dessert that is elegant, delicious, and perfect for special occasions, you can’t go wrong with Lobster Tail Pastry. This traditional Italian dessert is not only visually stunning, but it also has a delicate, flaky texture and a rich, sweet filling.
History of Lobster Tail Pastry
Lobster Tail Pastry, also known as sfogliatella or sfogliatelle in Italian, is a type of pastry that originated in Naples, Italy, in the 17th century. The pastry was created by nuns in the Santa Rosa convent who wanted to make a special dessert to celebrate the arrival of a new bishop. The pastry’s shape resembles a lobster tail, hence the name. The nuns’ original recipe was a closely guarded secret for centuries, but today, Lobster Tail Pastry is enjoyed all over the world.
Ingredients
PASTRY
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
- 3⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄2 cup margarine
FILLING
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1⁄4 cup semolina flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon, zest of
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Lobster Tail Pastry
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Be sure to mix well. Combine butter and dough, cutting it in until well blended. Add the water slowly.
Work the dough until it is firm.
Step 2
Then cover the ball, refrigerate it for two hours, and you’re ready to use it.
Over medium heat, place a saucepan. Then add the milk.
Step 3
Slowly add semolina flour to the boiling water. To prevent lumps, stir constantly.
Step 4
Immediately remove it from the heat, let it cool, and then pour it into a bowl.
Step 5
Stir the semolina with the ricotta, egg, sugar, candied fruits, and sugar after five minutes. Make sure you beat well. Keep aside.
Step 6
Put the dough in the refrigerator and remove it. In two equal parts, divide it. Roll into an 18-inch square on a pastry board dusted with flour.
Step 7
It will become extremely thin. Using butter, brush the thin pastry. Make a jelly roll by rolling the paper from one end to the other. Take a roll of paper and cut it into 3-4 inch pieces.
Step 8
You will need to pick up one piece of dough at a time.
Step 9
Make a cup-shaped hole in the pastry by pressing your thumb down in the center. Using two tablespoons of filling, fill the cup. When the open edges of the cup touch, fold the cup in half.
Step 10
Seal the pastry by gently pressing the edges together.
Step 11
Make sure it is inches away from you. Using your fingers, gently pull out the sides of the front so that it forms a shell. Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the top. Using all the pastry and filling, repeat the above steps.
Step 12
Ensure that the oven is preheated to 425°F.
Step 13
Put parchment paper on two cookie sheets and prepare them for baking. After placing the shells on the paper, bake them for 15 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Step 14
On the cookie sheet, let the pastry cool for five minutes. A bit of time will be needed for the hardening process. On a rack, place it after that.
Step 15
Once the cake is completely cooled, sprinkle confectioners sugar on top.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh Ricotta Cheese: High-quality ricotta cheese is crucial to making a delicious Lobster Tail Pastry. Fresh ricotta cheese will provide a creamy and smooth texture to the filling, making the pastry taste rich and flavorful.
Chill the Dough: After rolling out the puff pastry dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape, resulting in a flakier and more delicate pastry.
Don’t Overfill the Pastry: Use a spoonful of filling that is just enough to create a smooth and even texture without weighing down the pastry. Overfilling the pastry can make it difficult to shape and cause it to burst during baking.
Brush with Butter: Before baking, brush the pastry with melted butter. This will help the pastry develop a golden-brown, crispy crust, adding both flavor and texture.
Serve Fresh: Lobster Tail Pastry is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Allow the pastry to cool for a few minutes before serving, and dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry to make Lobster Tail Pastry. However, homemade puff pastry will yield a better texture and flavor.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before filling the pastry.
How long does it take to bake Lobster Tail Pastry?
Lobster Tail Pastry typically takes around 20-25 minutes to bake, depending on your oven and the size of the pastry.
What can I serve with Lobster Tail Pastry?
Lobster Tail Pastry is often served as a dessert, but it can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Conclusion
Lobster Tail Pastry is a classic Italian dessert that’s both elegant and delicious. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. While it may seem intimidating to make at first, our recipe and expert tips will guide you through the process and ensure a perfect result every time. So why not indulge in this decadent dessert and impress your guests with your baking skills? Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, Lobster Tail Pastry is a dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Try More Delicious Recipes

Lobster Tail Pastry Recipe
Ingredients
PASTRY
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
- 3⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄2 cup margarine
FILLING
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1⁄4 cup semolina flour
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon, zest of
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Be sure to mix well. Combine butter and dough, cutting it in until well blended. Add the water slowly.Work the dough until it is firm.
- Then cover the ball, refrigerate it for two hours, and you're ready to use it.Over medium heat, place a saucepan. Then add the milk.
- Slowly add semolina flour to the boiling water. To prevent lumps, stir constantly.
- Immediately remove it from the heat, let it cool, and then pour it into a bowl.
- Stir the semolina with the ricotta, egg, sugar, candied fruits, and sugar after five minutes. Make sure you beat well. Keep aside.
- Put the dough in the refrigerator and remove it. In two equal parts, divide it. Roll into an 18-inch square on a pastry board dusted with flour.
- It will become extremely thin. Using butter, brush the thin pastry. Make a jelly roll by rolling the paper from one end to the other. Take a roll of paper and cut it into 3-4 inch pieces.
- You will need to pick up one piece of dough at a time.
- Make a cup-shaped hole in the pastry by pressing your thumb down in the center. Using two tablespoons of filling, fill the cup. When the open edges of the cup touch, fold the cup in half.
- Seal the pastry by gently pressing the edges together.
- Make sure it is inches away from you. Using your fingers, gently pull out the sides of the front so that it forms a shell. Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the top. Using all the pastry and filling, repeat the above steps.
- Ensure that the oven is preheated to 425°F.
- Put parchment paper on two cookie sheets and prepare them for baking. After placing the shells on the paper, bake them for 15 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown.
- On the cookie sheet, let the pastry cool for five minutes. A bit of time will be needed for the hardening process. On a rack, place it after that.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, sprinkle confectioners sugar on top.