Strawberry Napoleon, also known as Mille-feuille, is a classic French dessert that combines the delicate flakiness of puff pastry with a creamy filling and the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This easy version of Strawberry Napoleon is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a delightful treat for yourself. The contrast between the crispy layers of pastry, the tangy cream cheese filling, and the juicy strawberries creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of creating this elegant and delicious dessert. From baking the puff pastry to preparing the cream cheese filling and assembling the Napoleons, you’ll find all the tips and tricks needed to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a delightful and visually stunning treat.
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Easy Strawberry Napoleon, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions: Provides the crispy, flaky layers that are the hallmark of this dessert.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Used for the egg wash to give the pastry a golden, shiny finish.
- 2 teaspoons whole milk: Mixed with the egg to create the egg wash.
- 2 packages (16 ounces) cream cheese, softened: Forms the base of the tangy, creamy filling.
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet flavor to the filling.
- ¾ cup (240 g) strawberry preserves: Adds a layer of sweetness and helps to bind the fresh strawberries to the pastry.
- 2 cups (332 g) fresh strawberries, washed, sliced: Provides a fresh, juicy element to the dessert.
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for dusting: Adds a decorative and sweet finish to the Napoleons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay one puff pastry sheet onto each lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut each sheet into 6 equal-sized rectangles, resulting in a total of 12 rectangles. Leave about ½-inch of space between each rectangle to allow them to puff up properly during baking.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of whole milk until smooth. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the puff pastry rectangles, being careful not to get the egg wash on the cut edges. This can prevent the pastries from puffing up properly.
- Bake: Bake the pastry rectangles for 15-17 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix the Filling: While the pastries are baking, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine 2 packages of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth. For a fluffier texture, you can use an electric mixer on medium speed.
Assembling the Strawberry Napoleons
- Separate the Pastries: Once the pastries have cooled, carefully separate the top layer from the bottom layer of each puff pastry rectangle. This will create a top and bottom piece for each Napoleon.
- Layer the Fillings: On the bottom half of each pastry rectangle, spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves. Then, using a piping bag or a plastic zip bag with the corner cut off, pipe 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling over the preserves. Top with 5-6 slices of fresh strawberries.
- Top and Dust: Place the top half of the pastry over the sliced strawberries and press down gently. Dust the assembled Napoleons with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
- Serve: Serve the Strawberry Napoleons immediately, or refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, as the puff pastry will remain crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Strawberry Napoleon is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Serve the Napoleons on a decorative platter to showcase their beautiful layers.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Garnish the plate with extra fresh strawberries or other berries for added color and flavor.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve each Napoleon with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Holiday Touch: Decorate the Napoleons with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions and holidays.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a Napoleon with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Napoleons
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that the puff pastry is cold before baking to achieve the best rise and flakiness.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the cream cheese filling until smooth to avoid any lumps and ensure a creamy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Bake the puff pastry until it is golden brown and fully puffed. Underbaking can result in a soggy pastry.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pastries to cool completely before assembling to ensure the filling stays intact and the pastry remains crispy.
- Serve Fresh: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, as the puff pastry can lose its crispiness over time.
Customizing Your Strawberry Napoleons
One of the joys of making homemade desserts is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Different Preserves: Experiment with different fruit preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for a unique flavor profile.
- Alternative Fillings: Add a layer of whipped cream or pastry cream for added richness.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy note.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the Napoleons for a decadent touch.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 Napoleon):
- Calories: 307kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Easy Strawberry Napoleon is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, the sweetness of strawberry preserves, and the fresh taste of strawberries with the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create Strawberry Napoleons that are perfect every time. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, these Napoleons are sure to impress and satisfy.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and elegant, give this Easy Strawberry Napoleon recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to share with friends and family.
Happy baking!