Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, combining light, flaky pastry with a rich, creamy filling and fresh berries. Here’s a simple recipe to make these delicious pastries at home:
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Balls:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Berry Filling:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool down.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pastry Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.
- Place a spoonful of the berry filling in the center of each square.
- Add a small dollop of the cream filling on top of the berry mixture.
- Carefully fold the corners of the pastry square over the filling to form a ball shape.
- Place each filled pastry ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg and brush it over each pastry ball. Optionally, sprinkle sugar on top for extra sweetness and shine.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
5. Serve:
- Allow the pastry balls to cool slightly before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat!
These pastry balls are the perfect combination of flaky, creamy, and fruity, making them an irresistible dessert. Enjoy!