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Creamy Strawberry Napoleons

creamy strawberry napoleons - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade puff pastry dessert featuring flaky layers, silky vanilla pastry cream, and fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (about 14 ounces / 400 g) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface if needed. Cut each sheet into 3×4-inch (7.5×10 cm) rectangles, about 12 pieces total.
  2. Place rectangles on lined baking sheets, spacing slightly apart. Prick each piece with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
  4. To make vanilla pastry cream: whisk together 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
  5. Lightly beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk to temper the yolks.
  6. Pour tempered yolks back into saucepan with remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and just boiling (5-7 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat, stir in softened butter and vanilla extract. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours.
  8. Hull and thinly slice strawberries while pastry cream chills.
  9. Assemble Napoleons by spreading or piping a generous layer of chilled pastry cream on one puff pastry piece, topping with sliced strawberries.
  10. Add another puff pastry piece and repeat layers if desired, finishing with a puff pastry piece on top.
  11. Dust assembled Napoleons with powdered sugar just before serving.
  12. Serve within a few hours for best puff pastry crispness. If making ahead, keep components separate and assemble before serving.

Notes

Thaw puff pastry in fridge overnight for best handling. Prick pastry before baking to prevent excessive puffing. Temper eggs to avoid scrambling. Strain pastry cream for silky texture. Assemble just before serving to keep pastry crisp. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry napoleon, puff pastry dessert, vanilla pastry cream, easy dessert, homemade napoleon, strawberry dessert, flaky pastry, creamy dessert

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-strawberry-napoleons-recipe-easy-homemade-puff-pastry-dessert/