Irresistible Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs: A Sweet and Elegant Delight
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are the perfect combination of elegance and ease, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. The crisp, golden layers of puff pastry encase a luscious cream filling, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries that add a burst of flavor and a pop of color. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these pastry puffs are bound to impress.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening strawberries)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or circles, depending on your preference.
- Place the pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between them.
- Brush the top of each pastry piece with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar, if desired, to enhance their sweetness.
- Assemble the Pastry Puffs:
- Once the pastry has cooled, slice each piece horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the bottom half of each pastry.
- Top with a generous layer of sliced strawberries, then place the top half of the pastry on top.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust the assembled pastries with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 pastry puffs, depending on the size of your pastry pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Fruity Twists: Substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches for a unique flavor profile.
- Chocolate Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled pastries for an indulgent touch.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream filling for a zesty twist.
- Savory Version: Skip the sugar and strawberries, and instead fill the pastry with whipped goat cheese and cherry tomatoes for a savory appetizer.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pastry may lose its crispness over time.
- Reheating: Reheat the pastry puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some of the crispness. Avoid reheating the cream filling; add fresh cream if needed.
FAQs
1: Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream for convenience. However, homemade whipped cream is recommended for its fresh taste and customizable sweetness. If you opt for store-bought, make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2: What if I don’t have a pastry cutter or round cutters?
No problem! You can simply use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to create squares. For round shapes, a glass or small bowl can serve as an effective substitute. Creativity in shaping your pastries can add a personal touch to your presentation.
3: My puff pastry is sticking to the surface while cutting. What should I do?
Lightly flour your working surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold, as overly warm pastry tends to be harder to handle. If it becomes too soft, pop it back into the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.
4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free puff pastry (many brands are naturally dairy-free) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative. Ensure your powdered sugar is also free of any dairy additives.
5: How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
To maintain the crispness of your pastry, assemble the puffs just before serving. If you need to prepare in advance, you can bake the pastries and make the cream filling ahead of time, storing them separately until you’re ready to assemble.
6: Can I freeze the pastry puffs?
While the baked puff pastry can be frozen for later use, it’s best not to freeze the assembled puffs with the cream and strawberries. Instead, freeze the pastry shells and assemble them fresh when needed.
7: How can I make this dessert more elegant for a formal occasion?
Presentation is key! Pipe the whipped cream using a star tip for a decorative touch, layer the strawberries artfully, and finish with a light drizzle of honey or a sprig of mint for an extra flourish.
Conclusion
Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. With their flaky, buttery layers, velvety cream filling, and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, these pastries are a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for any occasion, they can be dressed up for a formal event or enjoyed casually with a cup of tea.
One of the many charms of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit the season, experimenting with different fruits or flavor combinations to keep things exciting. The option to prepare components ahead of time also makes it a go-to dessert for busy hosts looking to impress their guests without the stress.
Every bite of these pastry puffs is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the golden pastry to the lightness of the cream and the burst of juiciness from the strawberries. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also feels like a small celebration of the joys of baking.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, ensuring your efforts are met with smiles and empty plates. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert? You’ll soon see why Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Related Strawberry Desserts to Try
If you’re a fan of strawberry-infused desserts, you’re in for a treat! Expand your love for strawberries by exploring some of these irresistible recipes. Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Valentine’s Day Strawberry Shortcake or the creamy decadence of a Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing. For a unique twist, try the Irresistible Fried Strawberry Cheesecake that’s sure to impress. These recipes pair wonderfully with the Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs, creating a strawberry lover’s paradise!
Irresistible Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs: A Delightful Treat
Print
Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are a delightful blend of light, flaky puff pastry, creamy whipped filling, and fresh strawberries. This easy-to-make dessert is both elegant and versatile, perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to formal events. With simple ingredients and a quick assembly, these pastry puffs are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweetening strawberries)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares or circles, as preferred.
- Transfer the pastry pieces to the baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
Bake the Pastry:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Make the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar (if using) to enhance sweetness.
Assemble the Puffs:
- Slice each cooled pastry in half horizontally.
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream onto the bottom half, layer with strawberries, and top with the other half of the pastry.
Finish and Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 pastry puffs
- Calories: 2700 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg