Imagine creating a dessert so breathtakingly beautiful that it looks like it came straight from a French patisserie, yet is surprisingly simple to make. This Simply Elegant Fruit Pastry is your ticket to culinary stardom, transforming humble ingredients into a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking, "Did you really make this yourself?" With just a few easy steps, you'll craft a dessert that's as delightful to look at as it is to devour, blending the buttery crispness of puff pastry with creamy cheese and vibrant fresh fruits.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruit
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your puff pastry bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to smooth out any creases and to slightly increase its size. Aim for a rectangle or square shape.
- Transfer the rolled-out puff pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch border around the edge of the pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through; this will help create a raised edge as it bakes.
- Prick the center of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the puff pastry for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
- While the pastry is baking, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Once the pastry is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While the pastry is cooling, wash and prepare your mixed fresh fruit. You can use a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
- In a small bowl, toss the prepared fruit with the lemon juice. This will enhance the flavors and prevent the fruit from browning.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled puff pastry, avoiding the raised border.
- Arrange the mixed fruit on top of the cream cheese filling in a decorative manner. You can be creative with the arrangement to make it visually appealing.
- Once assembled, you can serve the fruit pastry immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving to chill and firm up slightly.
- Slice into squares or rectangles to serve, and enjoy your Simply Elegant Fruit Pastry with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh fruit at peak ripeness for the most vibrant flavors and colors.
- Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold when you begin working with it.
- Use a sharp knife when scoring the pastry border to create clean, precise edges.
- Don't skip the lemon juice - it adds brightness and prevents fruit from browning.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the finished pastry with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations to keep the recipe exciting and seasonal.
- Serve slightly chilled for the best texture and most refreshing taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
