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Welcome, food enthusiasts! Are you looking for a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that will impress both your family and guests? Look no further! This Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls Recipe combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the lusciousness of Cream cheese and mixed berries. Perfect for any occasion, these pastry balls will be your go-to treat whenever you’re craving something sweet yet elegant. Let’s dive in and create this masterpiece!
Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of light, buttery puff pastry filled with rich, creamy cheese and fresh berries. This recipe brings all these flavors together in a beautiful way, resulting in bite-sized treats that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you serve these at a brunch, a casual family gathering, or as an indulgent dessert after dinner, these cream and berry-filled pastry balls are guaranteed to disappear fast! The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so even novice bakers can master this recipe.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting cream and berry-filled pastry recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for added zest)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Optional Substitutions:
If you’re looking for alternatives to mixed berries, you can try peaches, apples, or cherries. For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. These changes may slightly alter the texture and flavor but will still result in a delicious dessert.
How to Make Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls
Follow these steps to create your own delicious cream and berry-filled pastry balls:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the mixed berries, being careful not to mash them.
- Prepare the pastry balls: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares. Spoon a small amount of the cream and berry mixture into the center of each square. Fold the corners of the pastry up to the center and pinch to seal, forming a small ball. Place the pastry balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of the pastry balls with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish as they bake.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and serve: Let the pastry balls cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle honey or a homemade berry glaze over the pastry balls after baking.
- If you don’t have mixed berries, feel free to use any seasonal fruit. Peaches, apples, or pears make great alternatives.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry balls, as the filling might leak out during baking.
- Serve these pastries warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips
- Use cold puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is cold but not frozen. This ensures that it will puff up properly in the oven.
- Handle with care: When folding the pastry, be gentle. Pinching too hard can cause the pastry to tear.
- Egg wash trick: Don’t skip the egg wash! This step gives the pastry that beautiful golden color and a slight sheen, making it even more appetizing.
- Equipment: A pastry brush for the egg wash and a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the puff pastry will make this process smoother.
Serving Suggestions
These cream and berry-filled pastry balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
- For breakfast or brunch: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad and coffee for a light yet satisfying meal.
- As a dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- For a tea party: These pastries make the perfect sweet addition to a tea party or afternoon snack table. They’re bite-sized and elegant!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover pastry balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for snacking later!
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, though they won’t be as crisp.
Leftover Ideas: You can break apart leftover pastry balls and use them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, adding an extra layer of flavor to your desserts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen berries, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the cream cheese mixture to avoid soggy pastries. - Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pastry balls a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just brush with the egg wash and bake them fresh when you’re ready. - What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even ricotta as an alternative to cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but both are delicious options. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free puff pastry to make these pastries suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
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Conclusion
These Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are the perfect combination of ease and elegance. With their flaky exterior and sweet, creamy filling, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experience or any unique twists you added to the recipe. Happy baking!