Indulge in the delightful flavors of “Sweet Elegance: Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs,” a perfect blend of fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and flaky puff pastry. These elegant pastries are ideal for a sophisticated dessert, a special brunch, or an afternoon tea. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, these pastry puffs will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes them.
Why You’ll Love Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs:
- Fresh and Fruity: Combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with creamy filling.
- Elegant and Impressive: Perfect for entertaining, these pastries are visually stunning and delicious.
- Simple to Make: Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience, making it easy to assemble.
- Versatile: Great for various occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant parties.
Ingredients Notes For Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs:
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry sheets, thawed according to package instructions.
- Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for the cream filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream filling and for dusting over the finished pastries.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the cream filling.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to add lightness to the cream cheese filling.
- Egg: Beaten for an egg wash to give the pastry a golden finish.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Place the pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Brush the pastry pieces with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the Pastry Puffs:
- Once the pastry has cooled, carefully split each piece in half horizontally. Spread or pipe a generous amount of the cream filling onto the bottom half of each pastry. Top with sliced strawberries, then place the top half of the pastry over the filling.
- Serve:
- Dust the assembled pastry puffs with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve immediately.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pastry may lose some of its crispness after refrigeration.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets thawed
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar adjust depending on the sweetness of the strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, enhances strawberry flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape.
- Place the pastry shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each pastry lightly with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up. Remove and let cool.
Make the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep the whipped cream chilled until ready to assemble.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let them macerate for about 10-15 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.
Assemble the Pastry Puffs:
- Once the pastry puffs have cooled, slice each one in half horizontally.
- Spoon or pipe a generous amount of whipped cream onto the bottom half of each puff.
- Spoon some of the macerated strawberries over the cream.
- Place the top half of the puff pastry back on top.
Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
- If desired, drizzle with a little of the juice from the macerated strawberries for added flavor and color.
