Indulge in these delightful cream and berry-filled pastry balls that are perfect for any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. The light and airy pastry is filled with a rich cream and topped with a burst of fresh berries, making them a beautiful and delicious dessert. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, these pastry balls are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Berry Topping:
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for macerating berries)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth dough forms. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry Balls 4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling 7. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. 8. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastry Balls 9. Once the pastry balls are cool, carefully cut a small slit in the side of each ball and use a piping bag to fill them with the whipped cream mixture. 10. If desired, macerate the mixed berries by tossing them with sugar and letting them sit for about 10 minutes. This will enhance their sweetness and juiciness.
Step 5: Serve 11. Top each cream-filled pastry ball with a generous spoonful of fresh berries. Garnish with mint leaves if desired. 12. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful treats!