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Easy Strawberry Napoleon Recipe

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4.2 from 45 reviews

This Easy Strawberry Napoleon is a delightful layered dessert featuring crisp, golden puff pastry rectangles filled with sweet strawberry preserves, creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese filling, and fresh sliced strawberries. Topped with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, it’s a perfect treat for gatherings or a special dessert that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons whole milk

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 2 packages (16 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Fruit and Toppings

  • ¾ cup (240 g) strawberry preserves
  • 2 cups (332 g) fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Lay one thawed puff pastry sheet onto each lined baking sheet and cut each sheet into six equal rectangles, for a total of 12 pieces, leaving about ½ inch space between them to allow for puffing during baking.
  3. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and whole milk until smooth. Carefully brush the egg wash over the tops of each puff pastry rectangle, avoiding the cut edges to ensure they puff properly.
  4. Bake Pastry Rectangles: Bake the puff pastry rectangles in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until they have fully puffed and turned a golden brown color. Remove from oven and let cool.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: While the pastries bake, in a medium bowl combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir together until smooth and well blended.
  6. Cool and Split Pastries: Allow baked puff pastries to cool for 5-10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, carefully slice each rectangle in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
  7. Assemble Napoleons: Spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves evenly over the bottom half of each puff pastry. Using a piping bag or plastic zip-top bag with the tip cut off, pipe about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling on top of the preserves. Then, arrange 5-6 fresh strawberry slices over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Finish and Serve: Place the top half of the puff pastry over the strawberry layer. Lightly dust the finished Napoleon with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful presentation. Repeat for all pastries. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure to avoid brushing egg wash on the cut edges of the puff pastry to allow maximum puffing.
  • Use chilled fresh strawberries for better texture and sweetness.
  • The cream cheese filling can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Serve napoleons shortly after assembly for best texture, as the puff pastry can become soggy if left assembled too long.
  • Use parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/easy-strawberry-napoleon-recipe/