Strawberry Napoleons

Strawberry Napoleons are an elegant, layered dessert made with crisp, golden puff pastry, luscious pastry cream or whipped filling, and sweet, juicy strawberries. With their beautiful presentation and balanced textures, they make the perfect finish to a special dinner or afternoon tea—deceptively simple to make, yet incredibly impressive to serve.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

puff pastry sheetspastry cream or whipped creamfresh strawberriesconfectioners’ sugarsugarvanilla extractegg (for egg wash)cornstarch (if making pastry cream)milk (for pastry cream)butter (for pastry cream)

directions

this recipe

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into rectangles (about 2×4 inches each). Place on the baking sheet and prick each with a fork.

Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool completely.

While they bake, prepare your pastry cream or whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Wash, hull, and slice strawberries thinly.

Once the pastry has cooled, carefully slice each rectangle in half horizontally using a serrated knife.

Layer the bottom half with pastry cream or whipped cream, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.

Top with the upper half of the pastry and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving for a firmer texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 Napoleons.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Cooling and assembly: 15 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce over the top.
Use flavored pastry cream like lemon or almond.
Swap strawberries for mixed berries or mango slices.
Add a layer of strawberry jam for extra sweetness.
Top with whipped mascarpone for a rich twist.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispness.
If needed, store assembled Napoleons in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Store puff pastry layers separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, it’s perfect for this recipe and very convenient.

What’s the difference between whipped cream and pastry cream?
Pastry cream is custard-based and thicker, while whipped cream is light and airy. Both work well here.

Do I have to slice the puff pastry after baking?
Yes, it allows you to layer them neatly with filling and strawberries.

Can I make them ahead?
You can prep all components ahead but assemble just before serving for best texture.

Do I need to sweeten the strawberries?
Not necessarily—if they’re ripe and sweet, they’ll balance perfectly. You can macerate them with sugar for extra juiciness.

Is this dessert very sweet?
It’s mildly sweet and balanced by the tartness of the strawberries.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes, cut smaller pastry pieces for bite-sized Napoleons—great for parties.

Can I freeze the assembled Napoleons?
No, they will lose their texture. Only freeze the baked pastry layers if needed.

What knife is best for slicing puff pastry?
A serrated knife works best to avoid crushing the layers.

Can I add liqueur to the cream?
Yes, a splash of Grand Marnier or Amaretto adds a sophisticated flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Napoleons combine flaky pastry, rich cream, and juicy berries in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a refined sweet, this classic French-inspired delight delivers elegance and flavor in every layer.

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