To Bake or Not to Bake - Vol au Vent Cases

1. We always recommend baking our Vol Au Vent cases.

We will always recommend baking our Vol. ready-made pastry cases, the baking process refreshes the pastry and ensures that the vol au vent cases are perfectly crisp and ready to hold your fillings, even if your filling is cold (wait for the cases to cool).

2. For a Crispier Texture

If you prefer your vol-au-vent cases to have a delightfully crispy texture, pre-baking is a must. Even if the cases are labelled as “pre-baked,” a quick stint in the oven can enhance their crispiness. Simply place them on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 165°C for 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp (each oven is different). This step is particularly important if the cases have been stored for a while or if they feel a bit soft. Cases can also be placed in the air-fryer for around 7 minutes at 175°C

3. To Avoid Sogginess

If you’re filling the cases with a warm or hot filling, pre-baking can help prevent them from becoming soggy. The initial baking sets the structure of the pastry, making it less likely to absorb moisture from the filling and lose its crispiness.

4. For Freshness

If you’re using the vol-au-vent cases soon after purchase and they are still quite fresh, you might find that they don’t need additional baking. However, if there’s any doubt about their freshness or if you’re unsure of their texture, a quick reheat can help ensure they’re at their best.

5. When in Doubt

If you’re unsure whether to bake or not, a quick test can be useful. Place a couple of cases in the oven and see if they become crisper. If they do, you’ll know that pre-baking them is the way to go for your event.

Quick Tips for Baking Vol-au-Vent Cases

• Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

• Use a Baking Sheet: Place the cases on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easy clean-up.

• Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the cases while they bake to avoid over-browning, an over baked pastry case in never good!

Overall, baking is the way to go, while many ready-made vol-au-vent cases come pre-baked, giving them an additional quick bake can enhance their crispiness and help them maintain their texture when filled. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in the final presentation and taste of your vol au vents cases and we would recommend regardless of if the filling is going to be hot or cold (just allow to cool if the filling is cold).

Hope this helps!