Indulge in these light, flaky pastry balls filled with luscious cream and bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of mixed berries. These irresistible treats are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert. The crisp pastry pairs beautifully with the smooth vanilla cream filling, while the fresh berries add a refreshing twist. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, these pastry balls will become a favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Balls:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Berry Filling:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares (approximately 3×3 inches).
- Gather the edges of each square and pinch them together to form a ball. Place the pastry balls on the baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle a little sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool completely.
- Make the Vanilla Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
- Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a small bowl, toss the mixed berries with sugar and lemon juice. Mash slightly with a fork to release some juices, leaving some whole berries for texture.
- Assemble the Pastry Balls:
- Once the pastry balls have cooled, use a small knife to carefully create a hole at the bottom of each ball.
- Fill a piping bag with the vanilla cream and pipe it into each pastry ball until it’s halfway full.
- Spoon some of the berry mixture into the cream-filled cavity, allowing the juice to seep in for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Lightly dust the pastry balls with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy these irresistible cream and berry-filled pastry balls, a delicate and delightful treat that will brighten up any occasion!