Cream Puff with Fresh Berries
Cream puffs filled with fresh berries are a delightful pastry that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. These airy treats are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence at home. With a light puff pastry shell and creamy filling topped with vibrant berries, this dessert is sure to impress everyone!
Why make this recipe?
Making cream puffs with fresh berries allows you to enjoy a beautiful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the freshness of the berries elevates the flavor and adds a pop of color. It’s a dessert that looks stunning and tastes absolutely divine! 🍓✨
How to prepare Cream Puff with Fresh Berries
Ready to create a delicious treat? Follow these simple steps!
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 10×12 in / 25×30 cm), thawed if frozen
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting) 🍬
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold 🥛
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese for tangier flavor) 🧀
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- Fresh berries (blackberries, red currants, raspberries, blueberries — your choice) 🍇🍓
- Crushed pistachios or nuts (optional) 🌰
- Mint leaves (for garnish) 🌿
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit the size of your baking tray.
- Cut the pastry into desired shapes—typically circles or squares. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
- While the pastry cools, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
- Once the pastry has cooled, slice them in half horizontally.
- Fill the bottom half with the mascarpone cream mixture and top generously with fresh berries.
- Place the top half back on and dust with powdered sugar. Add crushed nuts if desired and garnish with mint leaves. 🍃
How to serve Cream Puff with Fresh Berries
Serve your cream puffs on a beautiful platter, and enjoy them fresh for the best taste. They work great as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience! ☕🍰
How to store Cream Puff with Fresh Berries
While it’s best to enjoy cream puffs fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the filling and pastry separate until serving to maintain the puff’s crispiness.
Tips for preparing Cream Puff with Fresh Berries
- Make sure your heavy cream is very cold for optimal whipping.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preference.
- If you want to make the pastry ahead of time, it can be frozen for up to a month. Just bake and fill when you’re ready to serve! ❄️
Variations
- Swap out mascarpone cheese for flavored cream cheese to add a unique twist.
- Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or lemon for a different taste.
- Incorporate chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness. 🍫🍯
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cream puff pastry?
Yes! You can buy pre-made cream puff shells to save time. Just fill them with your cream and berries.
2. What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
You can use cream cheese as a substitute for a tangy flavor, or use ricotta for a lighter option.
3. How can I make these cream puffs ahead of time?
You can prepare the pastry and the cream filling a day in advance. Just assemble the dessert right before serving for the best texture.
Enjoy your delicious Cream Puffs with Fresh Berries! 🍓🥐