Strawberry and Cream Napoleans
My Mama is in town this week! We have the cutest guest room (which is a NYC luxury but has only been used a couple times,) and I get so happy to walk by and see her in there. Living far away is hard. Anyway- my Mama is always wishing that we could bake together, so we didn’t waste any time making some kitchen magic this week.
I was dying to show her how easy and impressive the quick puff pastry I shared recently was, and we decided that a springy version of the classic French Napolean would showcase the pastry perfectly. Normally three layers of puff pastry sandwich pastry cream with a chocolate and vanilla glaze. In our case we layered thick whipped cream and juicy strawberries in between the most flaky and tender pastry. (I still can’t help but be amazed at how easy it is to make.)
This is a light, springy, dessert that would be so lovely with an afternoon tea spread. It really isn’t very sweet, only a little sugar in the whipped cream, and the natural sweetness from the berries. I find these types of desserts so refreshing, and such a nice break from the more sugary treats I tend to go for! (Plus it only makes four pastries which is great for this girl who loves small portions….more on that on Friday!)
Strawberry & Cream Napoleans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. puff pastry, chilled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled puff pastry* to 1/8 inch thick. (Use your 9x9 pan as a guide- it should be plenty bigger so you can trim it to fit.)
- Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes, then using a ruler and a sharp knife or pastry cutter, trim the pastry to fit the pan. Carefully drape the dough over the rolling pin and transfer it to your prepared pan. Pierce the surface of the dough all over with a fork. Cover dough with wax paper and chill for an hour.
- Prepare an oven rack on the middle shelf, and preheat oven to 400F. Bake the pastry until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
- To make the filling, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla, and then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Remove cooled pastry from pan and cut it in quarters. Cut each quarter in half again- ending with 8 pieces total. Spread the cream on the inside of one half- top with sliced strawberries and place the other layer on top.
- Serve immediately or within 2 hours of assembling (kept in the fridge.)**
Notes
*You can use store-bought puff pastry if you don't want to make it, I'm not sure exactly how it is packaged, but I'm assuming you don't need to roll it out- just measure a 9x9 square and proceed as normal. :) **As delicious as this is freshly made, the pastry will get a bit soggy if it sits for too long. Eat it within 2 hours of making for best results! Recipe adapted from: Williams-Sonoma: The Essentials of Baking
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
I can’t get over how stunning your pictures are lately! So beautiful!
Enjoy time with your Mama :)
It was SO fun being your kitchen apprentice Audra. Thanks for sharing such an impressive recipe. Can’t wait to try this one again!
Napoleons are so easy and IRRESISTIBLE.
The strawberries are a delicious addition!
This is so beautiful and fresh. I am sure this same recipe will work all summer long as the various berries and stone fruit come into season. Yum!
I was just thinking “man, I wish I could bake stuff, but I only want small portions because then I’ll eat them all.” You totally read my mind. These look delicious. I looove napoleons!
Also, so fun your Mama is in town!!! That’s awesome.
so fun to have a mother daughter weekend!! i take it for granted since i can drive 30 minutes to see mi madre – enjoy your time together! these look decadent!
Your mama’s in town–how exciting! Baking together sounds like fun, and these look so good. Enjoy your visit.
Oh my goodness, Audra! These are so gorgeous and scrumptious looking! Perfect for indulging this summer.
These look lovely, Audra! I haven’t tried the puff pastry yet, but it is on my “I have to try this asap” list. These napoleans certainly are the perfect way to show case the pastry! I know how hard it is to live far from your mom. I have lived many states away from my mom for all of my adult life. Thank goodness long distance is now included in phone plans! How wonderful that you and your mom could make memories in the kitchen during her visit!
This is my kind of dessert for sure! I just used the last of my strawberries this morning for another project or else I’d be all over this. Guess it’ll have to wait until after I get back from FBF :)
I always love when my mama visits NYC! So much shopping, baking, and FOOD! Hope you girls have a ball ;)
And OMG… neeeeeeeed these napoleans.
OMG…these little treats look fabulous! I’ve tried your puff pastry and I wanted to thank you because the result was just amazing and with so little effort…unbelievable! Can’t wait to use it in other recipes, maybe this one?!
xo, Elisa
I will probably be eternally amazed at this puff pastry as well! I always thought napoleons were one of those things that only pastry chefs could make but yours look so perfect! And doable. love it.
These are seriously so gorgeous! Beautiful photos.