These Cream and Berry-Filled Pastries bring a perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fresh, juicy berries to the table, making them a stunning treat for any event. They’re quick and easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, yet they look impressively homemade. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, birthday party, or just craving a sweet dessert, these pastries are sure to be a hit!
With just a few ingredients, including luscious cream cheese filling and vibrant mixed berries, these pastries deliver big on both flavor and visual appeal. Plus, they’re easy to customize with whatever berries are in season.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines store-bought puff pastry with a homemade cream cheese filling, making it accessible but still richly satisfying. The puff pastry provides a delicate, flaky base, while the filling adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast. Adding fresh berries brings a burst of juiciness and color, turning these pastries into a beautiful dessert that’s as delicious as it is photogenic.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Texture Contrast: The crisp puff pastry complements the soft, fluffy cream cheese filling and juicy berries, creating a perfect mouthfeel.
- Ease of Assembly: With just a few steps, you can quickly put together a dessert that looks intricate.
- Customizable Flavors: Swap out different berries or add a fruit glaze to suit your preferences and the season.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble before serving for freshness and convenience.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Gathering a few essential ingredients is all it takes to get started on these cream-filled pastries!
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: A versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that bakes into a flaky, golden crust.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps to create a beautiful golden-brown finish on the pastry.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling): Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of sparkle.
For the Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds lightness and volume to the filling, making it airy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it grainy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream filling with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Berry Topping
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): Adds color, freshness, and natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for a glossy finish): Gives the berries a beautiful shine for a bakery-like presentation.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6-8 rectangles or circles using a sharp knife or pastry cutter. These shapes will form the base of your pastries.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the pastry shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each with the beaten egg. This step gives the pastries a golden color as they bake. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle with a little granulated sugar.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry
- Bake: Place the pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Cool: Remove the pastries from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the filling won’t melt upon assembly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This whipped cream will make the filling light and fluffy.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the fluffy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
- Fill the Pastry Shells: Once the pastry shells have cooled, either spoon or pipe the cream filling into each one. A piping bag creates a more polished look, but a spoon works just as well.
- Top with Berries: Arrange the mixed berries on top of the cream filling, pressing them in slightly so they stay in place.
- Optional Glaze: For a glossy, professional-looking finish, warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the berries.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
These pastries are best served fresh to keep the pastry crisp and the berries vibrant. However, they can also be refrigerated for up to two hours if you want to prepare them slightly in advance.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Be sure to let the puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator before use. If it’s too cold, it may crack when you unfold it; if it’s too warm, it may become sticky and hard to handle.
- Whipping Cream to Stiff Peaks: Whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks for a light, stable filling that won’t flatten out. Be cautious not to over-whip, as this can turn the cream grainy.
- Using a Pastry Cutter: When cutting the puff pastry, a sharp knife or pastry cutter helps to create clean edges, which aid in the pastry rising evenly.
- Customize Your Berries: Feel free to use your favorite berries or those that are in season. Sliced peaches, kiwi, or mandarin oranges also work beautifully with this recipe.
- Adding a Twist: Add a splash of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy kick that pairs well with berries.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep the pastries crisp, assemble them just before serving. If made too far in advance, the pastry can absorb moisture from the cream and berries, losing its flakiness.
How to Serve
Serve these Cream and Berry-Filled Pastries on a beautiful platter, garnished with mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. They make a lovely addition to:
- Brunch Buffets: Pair with mimosas, coffee, and an assortment of other pastries or fresh fruit.
- Dessert Tables: Include them in a dessert spread with brownies, cookies, and mini tarts for variety.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve with a pot of tea or coffee for a classic pairing.
- Celebration Platters: Perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, or any gathering where you want a light and flavorful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These pastries are versatile and work well with different presentations:
- Individual Pastry Plates: For formal events, serve each pastry on a small dessert plate with a fresh sprig of mint or edible flower on the side.
- Tiered Cake Stand: Display them on a tiered stand for an eye-catching presentation.
- Paired with Other Desserts: Serve alongside mini cheesecakes, éclairs, or macarons for a stunning dessert array.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
This recipe offers a quick turnaround time, so you can whip up these pastries without much advance planning.
These Cream and Berry-Filled Pastries combine the best of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any event. The crispy, buttery pastry complements the creamy filling, and the fresh berries bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color that’s simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Enjoy these pastries at brunch, as a light dessert, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special!