Heavenly Tender Puff Pastry Dessert with Soft Cream and Fresh Blueberry Jam

Indulge in a delightful puff pastry dessert that combines the light, flaky layers of puff pastry with a rich, smooth cream filling and a burst of fresh blueberry jam. This elegant treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will impress both family and guests alike. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry

  • 400 g (14 oz) puff pastry

For the Egg Wash

  • 3 egg whites
  • 10 g (1 tablespoon) sugar

For the Cream Filling

  • 500 ml (2 cups) milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • 50 g (1/3 cup) starch (cornstarch or potato starch)
  • 50 g (3.5 tablespoons) butter
  • 150 ml (2/3 cup) whipping cream
  • 200 g (7 oz) blueberry jam

For Decorating and Sprinkling

  • Icing sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Puff Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza wheel or sharp knife, cut the pastry into even squares. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and neatly arrange the puff pastry squares on it.

2. Egg Wash and Baking

In a small bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg whites lightly until frothy, then use a spatula to gently spread the egg whites over the puff pastry squares. Sprinkle the tops with a bit of sugar to add a light sweetness and encourage browning.

Bake the puff pastry squares in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

3. Making the Cream Filling

While the pastry cools, prepare the cream filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and starch (either cornstarch or potato starch works well). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

In a separate pot, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer (do not let it boil). Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the combined mixture to the heat and cook over low, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. Once thickened, add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the cream.

Pour the cooked cream into a shallow dish, cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and allow it to cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

4. Whipping the Cream

While the cream is chilling, pour the whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in about 3 tablespoons of the cooled cream filling to stabilize the whipped cream, and then transfer this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star or round nozzle.

5. Assembling the Pastry

To assemble the dessert, take one of the baked puff pastry squares and pipe a layer of the whipped cream filling in decorative waves or dollops across the surface. Spoon a generous amount of blueberry jam in the center of the whipped cream layer, allowing it to gently spread out.

Top with another puff pastry square to create a sandwich, pressing lightly to secure. Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry squares, cream, and blueberry jam.

6. Final Touches and Serving

Before serving, dust the tops of the assembled puff pastry desserts with a light sprinkle of icing sugar for an elegant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the crisp pastry, soft cream, and vibrant blueberry jam.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximately 8 Servings)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Sugars: 20 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg

Tips for Success

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with cream when making the custard filling.
  • If you prefer a thicker cream, add an extra tablespoon of starch to the filling mixture.
  • To make this dessert even more special, try adding fresh blueberries on top of the jam for a burst of freshness.

Enjoy this heavenly dessert with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your dessert repertoire. This delightful puff pastry with soft cream and fresh blueberry jam is sure to impress with its delicate layers and luscious filling, making every bite a moment of pure bliss.