Strawberry Napoleon, also known as Mille-feuille, is a delightful French pastry composed of layers of flaky puff pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry preserves, and fresh strawberries. This Easy Strawberry Napoleon recipe offers a simplified approach to crafting this elegant dessert, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Why Make Easy Strawberry Napoleon

Strawberry Napoleon is a timeless dessert that combines the delicate crispness of puff pastry with the creamy richness of the filling and the vibrant sweetness of strawberries. Making this dessert at home allows you to indulge in its luxurious flavors while showcasing your culinary prowess. Plus, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your family and guests with a stunning dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Napoleon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lay one puff pastry sheet onto each lined baking sheet. Cut each sheet into 6 equal-sized rectangles, totaling 12 rectangles. Leave about ½-inch of space between each rectangle.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the puff pastry rectangles, avoiding the cut edges.
Bake the pastry rectangles for 15-17 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
While the pastry is baking, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Allow the pastries to cool for 5-10 minutes before assembling. Once cooled, separate the top layer from the bottom layer of each puff pastry.
On the bottom half of each pastry rectangle, spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves. Then, using a piping bag or plastic zip bag with the corner cut off, pipe 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling onto the preserves. Top with 5-6 slices of fresh strawberries.
Place the top of the pastry over the sliced strawberries and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Repeat the process for the remaining pastries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Strawberry Napoleon as a stunning dessert at dinner parties, special occasions, or simply as a sweet treat for family gatherings. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Easy Strawberry Napoleon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it is recommended to enjoy the pastries fresh on the day of preparation.

Techniques or Tips

Ensure that the puff pastry is properly thawed according to package directions to achieve optimal flakiness.
When brushing the egg wash onto the pastry rectangles, be careful not to let it drip onto the cut edges, as this can hinder the pastries from rising evenly.
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before assembling to prevent the cream cheese filling from melting.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider substituting raspberry or blueberry preserves for the strawberry preserves. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs about Easy Strawberry Napoleon

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
- Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry if you prefer. However, using store-bought puff pastry offers convenience and saves time.
Can I prepare the components of this dessert in advance?
- Yes, you can bake the puff pastry rectangles and prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time. Assemble the Easy Strawberry Napoleon just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze Easy Strawberry Napoleon?
- It is not recommended to freeze assembled Strawberry Napoleon as the texture of the puff pastry may suffer. However, you can freeze the baked puff pastry rectangles and cream cheese filling separately for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling and serving.

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