Name: Raspberry Cream Napoleons Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese (optional, for added richness); 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries; 1 tbsp raspberry jam (optional, for glaze or drizzle)

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Introduction

Raspberry Cream Napoleons are a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry, luscious whipped cream, and fresh raspberries. This elegant dessert is surprisingly simple to make and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

The image shows a layered dessert presented as a square stack with three visible layers. The bottom and top layers are thin, flaky, golden-brown pastry sheets with a textured, crispy appearance. Between these, there are two thick layers of smooth, white cream with soft peaks. On top of the dessert, fresh red raspberries are placed in a neat row, with a small bright green mint leaf adding a fresh touch in the center. The dessert sits on a white plate, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mascarpone or cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
1 tbsp raspberry jam (optional, for glaze or drizzle)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Unfold the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the baking sheet and prick each piece all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
Step 3: Bake the pastry rectangles for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the cream filling by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until soft peaks form. If desired, gently fold in the mascarpone or cream cheese for extra richness. Chill until ready to assemble.
Step 5: Slice each cooled puff pastry rectangle in half horizontally. Spread a layer of the whipped cream mixture on the bottom half, then scatter fresh raspberries over the cream. Top with the remaining pastry halves.
Step 6: For a finishing touch, warm the raspberry jam slightly and drizzle it over the tops of the Napoleons. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Step 7: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chilled heavy cream for better whipping results and a firmer texture.
Swap fresh raspberries with blueberries or sliced strawberries for a different fruit twist.
For a crunchier pastry, bake the rectangles a little longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
If mascarpone or cream cheese isn’t available, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the whipped cream to help it hold shape.

Storage

Store assembled Napoleons in the refrigerator and consume within 4 hours for best texture. Puff pastry tends to soften when refrigerated too long. If you want to prepare components ahead, bake the pastry and whip the cream separately, then assemble just before serving. Reheat pastry briefly in a warm oven to refresh crispness if needed.

How to Serve

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Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can bake the puff pastry and prepare the cream filling a few hours ahead, but it’s best to assemble the Napoleons shortly before serving to maintain crisp layers and fresh fruit.

What can I use instead of mascarpone or cream cheese?

If you don’t have mascarpone or cream cheese, the whipped cream alone works well. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor, but it may make the filling softer.