Strawberry-Raspberry Napoleons (Mille-Feuilles) Recipe
Description
Indulging in Napoleons is truly a delightful experience, especially when they are crafted with layers of flaky, buttery puff pastry, luscious lemon curd, and clouds of whipped cream, all harmoniously intermingled with the freshness of vibrant strawberries and raspberries. This recipe for Strawberry-Raspberry Napoleons (Mille-Feuilles) promises an exquisite dessert that not only looks stunning but also bursts with flavors, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a sweet treat any day of the week.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 923.7 |
| Total Fat | 61.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 28.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 353.7 mg |
| Sodium | 272.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 87.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g |
| Sugars | 46.4 g |
| Protein | 11.6 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen puff pastry | 1 package |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Icing sugar | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | ¾ teaspoon |
| Strawberries | 3 ½ cups, sliced |
| Raspberries | 2 cups |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 ¼ cups |
| Lemons (zest of) | 2 lemons |
| Butter | 8 tablespoons, unsalted |
Cooking Times
| Category | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the puff pastry will bake to a golden, crisp perfection.
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Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of frozen puff pastry until it reaches a thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut out eight rectangles, each measuring 6 x 3 inches. Place these rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Egg Wash: Create an egg wash by beating 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the surface of each pastry rectangle, taking care to avoid letting any egg drip down the sides, as this could prevent them from rising properly in the oven.
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Bake the Pastry: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 14 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before using a serrated knife to split each pastry in half horizontally.
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Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ tablespoons of icing sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks. This will provide a light and airy component to the Napoleons.
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Make the Lemon Curd: In a heatproof bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Gradually blend in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Add the butter to the mixture and place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler effect. Cook while whisking frequently until the lemon curd reaches a custard-like consistency, about 30 minutes. This lemon curd can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
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Assemble the Napoleons: To assemble the Napoleons just before serving, start by spreading ¼ to ⅓ cup of lemon curd on the bottom of each serving plate. Position the bottom half of a pastry rectangle in the center of the plate. Spread a thin layer of lemon curd over the pastry, then cover it with about 1 inch of the whipped cream.
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Layering: Carefully place the top half of the pastry onto the whipped cream layer. Again, spread a thin layer of lemon curd on top, followed by another 1 inch of whipped cream.
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Garnish: For the finishing touch, decorate the top with overlapping slices of fresh strawberries. Scatter a handful of raspberries around the plate and dust the entire presentation with a light sprinkle of icing sugar.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the Strawberry-Raspberry Napoleons right away for the best texture and flavor, ensuring that each bite combines the crunch of pastry, the richness of lemon curd, the fluffiness of whipped cream, and the freshness of the berries.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: The lemon curd can be made ahead of time to save preparation time. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the Napoleons.
- Customization: Feel free to customize your Napoleons with other fruits such as blueberries or peaches for a different twist on flavors.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields eight delightful servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends or for a lavish dessert spread at gatherings.
Indulging in these Strawberry-Raspberry Napoleons will certainly be a feast for the senses, providing not only a stunning visual appeal but also a celebration of fresh flavors and textures. Enjoy crafting this elegant dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
