Tourment d'Amour

About Tourment d'Amour

Tourment d'Amour, a delightful pastry that translates to "Torment of Love," is traditionally crafted in the picturesque Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. This sweet treat has its origins in the islands' rich cultural tapestry, combining French and Caribbean influences. Legend has it that this pastry was originally baked by women for their sailor husbands returning home, which explains its evocative name. Tourment d'Amour is known for its soft, fluffy cake that encases a delectable filling, often featuring tropical fruits like coconut, banana, or pineapple, providing a luscious burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients for Tourment d'Amour

• Flour - 200g
• Butter - 100g, softened
• Eggs - 4, large
• Sugar - 150g
• Coconut Milk - 200ml
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tablespoon
• Coconut flakes - 100g
• Bananas - 2, ripe and mashed
• Pineapple - 100g, finely chopped
• Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - a pinch

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by preparing the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the bananas, pineapple, and coconut flakes. Mix them together until they are well incorporated. The combination of fruits will provide a sweet, tart base that will complement the pastry beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add in the eggs, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of additional flavor.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Stir gently after each addition until you have a smooth, homogenous batter.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Assemble the Tourment d'Amour

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Add the fruit filling as a middle layer, then top it off with the remaining cake batter, ensuring the filling is well covered.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top of the pastry is a lovely golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. You can set a cooking timer to help monitor the baking time precisely.

Enjoying Your Tourment d'Amour

Once your Tourment d'Amour is done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into portions. This pastry pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for afternoon snacks or a sweet breakfast indulgence. Enjoy this delicacy as you imagine the Caribbean breeze and the vibrant culture that birthed such a delightful dessert.