Description
Delicate layers of crisp puff pastry embrace luscious strawberry napoleon, promising a symphony of textures and flavors. Sweet cream and fresh berries dance between golden pastry sheets, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 3 cups fresh strawberries
- 2 cups pastry cream
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Garnish and Flavoring:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry preparation.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut into precise rectangular shapes, ensuring uniform dimensions for a professional presentation.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the pastry sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp, rotating midway for even coloration.
- Allow the pastry layers to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture accumulation and maintaining structural integrity.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy filling.
- Gently fold pastry cream into the whipped cream mixture, creating a luxurious and smooth custard-like consistency.
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them into elegant thin pieces for layering and decoration.
- Assemble the napoleon by alternating crisp pastry layers with the cream mixture and strategically placed strawberry slices.
- Build multiple layers, ensuring each tier is level and symmetrical for a visually appealing dessert.
- Garnish the top layer with additional sliced strawberries and sprinkle with sliced almonds for textural contrast.
- Chill the napoleon for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cream to set before serving.
- Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves just before presenting.
Notes
- Pastry Perfection: Ensure puff pastry is cold and handle minimally to maintain flaky, delicate texture.
- Sugar Sprinkle Technique: Generously dust sugar before baking to create a caramelized, crisp surface with subtle sweetness.
- Cream Stability Hack: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help whipped cream maintain its structure longer.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free version or use gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg