Description
Sweet strawberry “Pastry Bliss” delivers delicate French-inspired elegance with buttery layers and fresh fruit. Summer desserts welcome crisp pastry shells filled with luscious cream and ripe strawberries that you’ll crave after the first delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Garnish and Extras:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then carefully unfold and cut into 4-6 equal rectangular portions using a sharp knife.
- Create a shallow border around each pastry rectangle by gently scoring a 1/2-inch perimeter with a knife, ensuring the edges will rise and create a delicate frame.
- Whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious filling.
- Gently fold in the heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture, blending until light and airy with a consistent texture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored borders of each pastry rectangle, leaving the edges clear for a pristine presentation.
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces and arrange them artfully over the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the pastry turns a rich, golden brown and becomes delightfully puffy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle warm strawberry jam over the tarts for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is completely thawed but still cool for optimal flakiness and easy handling.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly across the pastry.
- Slice strawberries thinly and uniformly to create an elegant, professional-looking presentation that bakes evenly.
- For gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative or almond flour-based pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg