Introduction:
These Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are a delightful treat that combines the light, crispy texture of pastry with a rich, creamy filling and a burst of sweetness from fresh berries. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful dessert, these pastry balls are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. They’re easy to make, and the combination of flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Berry Filling:
1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Optional Garnishes:
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the puff pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares or circles (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
Egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the edges of each pastry piece to help seal them.
Shape the balls: Place a small spoonful of the cream filling in the center of each pastry square or circle, then fold the edges up around the filling and pinch them together to form a ball.
Bake the pastry balls: Arrange the pastry balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
Make the cream filling: While the pastry is baking, beat together the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
Prepare the berries: In a small bowl, lightly mash the mixed berries with a fork and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired for added sweetness.
Assemble the pastry balls: Once the pastry balls are out of the oven and cooled slightly, carefully cut a small slit or hole in the center of each one. Gently pipe or spoon the cream filling into each pastry ball, followed by a spoonful of mashed berries.
Serve and garnish: Dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for a few hours.
Description:
These Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are an exquisite combination of flavors and textures. The crispy puff pastry envelops a creamy, velvety filling with a sweet and tart berry mix. Each bite offers a delicate balance of rich creaminess, the light crunch of pastry, and the refreshing burst of berries, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these pastry balls are sure to impress.
Tips:
Puff pastry alternatives: If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough or even a shortcrust pastry for a different texture.
Berry variations: Feel free to use any combination of berries or even other fruits like peaches or mangoes depending on what’s in season.
Make ahead: You can prepare the pastry balls in advance, bake them, and store them in an airtight container. Just add the cream and berries just before serving to maintain freshness.
Cream filling alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute the mascarpone cheese with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.
Corrections (if necessary):
Ensure that the pastry balls are not overfilled with the cream and berries to prevent them from bursting during baking.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream filling.
Be careful when cutting the slits in the pastry balls to avoid letting the filling spill out.