Introduction
Who doesn’t love the combination of flaky pastry and sweet, juicy berries? These cream and berry-filled pastry balls are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. The rich cream cheese filling, paired with a mix of fresh berries, creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging at home, these pastry balls are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delicious dessert!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 sheets of thawed puff pastry (one box)
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1/2 cup softened cream cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Prep Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 38 minutes
Yield: 18 pastry balls
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with extra powdered sugar if needed. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Berries:
Wash the berries thoroughly and pat them dry. Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces. For a jam-like filling, lightly mash some of the berries to release their juices.
4. Prepare the Pastry:
Once the puff pastry sheets have thawed, roll them out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any wrinkles. Cut each sheet into 9 squares, resulting in 18 pieces total.
5. Assemble the Pastry Balls:
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a few berries, but don’t overfill to avoid difficulty sealing the dough. Pinch the four corners of each square together to form a ball, enclosing the filling. Seal any open edges by pinching them tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
6. Egg Wash and Topping:
Arrange the filled pastry balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with a little granulated sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
7. Bake:
Bake the pastry balls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the pastry balls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. For a finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Tips for Making the Best Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls
Choose Your Berries:
Use a mix of tart and sweet berries for a more balanced flavor. If using frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the pastry.
Variety of Fillings:
Add some creativity by using different fillings like Nutella, lemon curd, or chopped nuts along with the cream cheese.
Puff Pastry Handling:
Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it for the best texture.
Sealing the Pastry:
Ensure the edges are tightly pinched to avoid any leaks during baking. If necessary, use extra dough to patch any gaps.
Serve Fresh:
These pastry balls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up if needed.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make:
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these pastry balls come together quickly.
Versatile:
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these treats can be dressed up or kept simple.
Elegant Presentation:
Their attractive look makes them ideal for formal events and casual gatherings alike.
Conclusion
These cream and berry-filled pastry balls are a delightful blend of texture and flavor, destined to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy baking this delectable treat and share the joy with family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness with extra powdered sugar if needed. Set aside.
Prepare the Berries
Wash the berries thoroughly and pat them dry. Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces. For a jam-like filling, lightly mash some of the berries to release their juices.
Prepare the Pastry
Once the puff pastry sheets have thawed, roll them out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any wrinkles. Cut each sheet into 9 squares, resulting in 18 pieces total.
Assemble the Pastry Balls
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a few berries, but don’t overfill to avoid difficulty sealing the dough. Pinch the four corners of each square together to form a ball, enclosing the filling. Seal any open edges by pinching them tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
Egg Wash and Topping
Arrange the filled pastry balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. If desired, sprinkle with a little granulated sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
Bake
Bake the pastry balls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let the pastry balls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. For a finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Notes
Choose Your Berries
Use a mix of tart and sweet berries for a more balanced flavor. If using frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the pastry.
Variety of Fillings
Add some creativity by using different fillings like Nutella, lemon curd, or chopped nuts along with the cream cheese.
Puff Pastry Handling
Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it for the best texture.
Sealing the Pastry
Ensure the edges are tightly pinched to avoid any leaks during baking. If necessary, use extra dough to patch any gaps.
Serve Fresh
These pastry balls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up if needed.
Cook techniques
Prepping Ingredients
Prepare your ingredients by washing and cutting the berries, softening the cream cheese, and measuring the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth assembly process.
Mixing the Filling
Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if desired.
Handling Puff Pastry
Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to eliminate wrinkles. Keep the pastry cold for easy handling and a better puff.
Filling and Sealing
Spoon a mixture of cream cheese and berries onto the pastry squares. Avoid overfilling to ensure proper sealing. Pinch the edges tightly to secure the filling.
Egg Washing
Brush the tops of the assembled pastry balls with beaten egg to achieve a golden crust during baking. The egg wash also adds a beautiful finish.
Baking the Pastry
Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the pastry balls to cool slightly before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the pastry balls are done?
The pastry balls are done when they are puffed and golden brown. A visual check is usually sufficient, but you can also tap them lightly; they should sound hollow.
Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings like chocolate, lemon curd, or fruit preserves along with or instead of cream cheese.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastry balls ahead of time. Just bake them fresh when you are ready to serve.
Conclusion
These cream and berry-filled pastry balls are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the flaky, buttery pastry with the rich, creamy filling and vibrant berries. They are not only simple to prepare but also versatile for any occasion, whether as a sweet snack, a breakfast pastry, or an elegant dessert at gatherings. The irresistible combination of textures and flavors will surely impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy it brings to sharing these delightful creations with loved ones!
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