Nectarine Napoleons

Nectarine Napoleons Recipe with Phyllo Dough and Blueberries

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 minutes | Servings: 5

Introduction

Nectarine Napoleons are a delightful and light dessert that combines the sweetness of nectarines with the crispiness of phyllo dough. This recipe is perfect for a summer treat or a special occasion.

History

The origins of the Napoleon dessert can be traced back to France, where it was traditionally made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. This modern twist on the classic dessert incorporates fresh nectarines and a creamy pudding filling.

Ingredients

4 sheets of phyllo dough
butter flavor no stick cooking spray
4 tsp of sugar
1 package (3.4 oz or 96 g) of vanilla flavor fat free instant pudding and pie filling
1.5 cups of nonfat milk
1 cup of lite whipped topping
3 fresh California nectarines
0.5 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
powdered sugar, for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place 1 phyllo sheet on a flat work surface. Spray it evenly with cooking spray and sprinkle 1 tsp of sugar on top.
Layer a second phyllo sheet directly over the first one. Spray and sprinkle with sugar as before.
Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets to create a stack of 4 layers.
Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the stack into 15 rectangles, each measuring about 2.5 x 6 inches.
Arrange the rectangles on a large baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Then, transfer them to cooling racks.
Prepare the pudding mix according to the package instructions, using 1.5 cups of milk.
Fold in the whipped topping and chill the mixture.
Cut 2 nectarines into half-inch pieces, resulting in approximately 2 cups of fruit.
Stir the cut nectarines and 0.25 cup of blueberries into the pudding mixture.
Just before serving, assemble the napoleons: Place 5 phyllo rectangles on individual serving plates.
Top them with half of the filling mixture, dividing it equally among the plates.
Add another phyllo rectangle on top of each plate and distribute the remaining filling equally.
Finish by placing the remaining 5 rectangles on top and dusting them with powdered sugar.
Garnish with the remaining sliced nectarine and 0.25 cup of blueberries.
Note: The phyllo can be baked ahead and stored in a covered container. The filling mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from California Tree Fruit Agreement.

Variations

Try using peaches or berries in place of nectarines for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of pie filling or pudding mix.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to spray each layer of phyllo dough with cooking spray to ensure a crispy texture.

- Cutting the phyllo dough into rectangles before baking makes it easier to assemble the napoleons.

- Chill the filling mixture before assembling the napoleons to ensure a creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nectarine Napoleons with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the phyllo dough at a high temperature ensures a crispy texture, while chilling the filling mixture before assembling the napoleons helps it set properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry or pre-made pie crust. You can also use canned fruit filling in place of fresh nectarines.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bake the phyllo dough and prepare the filling mixture ahead of time, then assemble the napoleons just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the napoleons on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Nectarine Napoleons with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover napoleons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nectarine Napoleons contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nectarine Napoleons contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nectarine Napoleons contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nectarine Napoleons contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nectarines are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Nectarine Napoleons are a light and fruity dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Summary

Nectarine Napoleons are a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of crispy phyllo dough, creamy pudding filling, and fresh nectarines, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a beautiful and elegant dessert called Nectarine Napoleons. I had never heard of it before, but the combination of flaky puff pastry, sweet nectarines, and creamy vanilla pastry cream sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I was at a friend's house for a dinner party when I first tasted Nectarine Napoleons. It was the perfect ending to a delicious meal, and I couldn't stop raving about it. My friend, who was an excellent cook, graciously offered to share the recipe with me.

She explained that Nectarine Napoleons were a twist on the classic French dessert, Napoleon. Instead of layers of puff pastry and cream, this version used fresh nectarines and a homemade vanilla pastry cream. I was intrigued by the idea of using fruit in a Napoleon, and I couldn't wait to try making it myself.

My friend walked me through the steps of making the pastry cream, which was surprisingly simple. All it took was heating milk, sugar, and a vanilla bean until it thickened into a rich custard. I was amazed at how easy it was to make such a decadent dessert component.

Next, she showed me how to assemble the Napoleons. We started by slicing the nectarines thinly and tossing them with a little sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. Then we layered the pastry cream and nectarines between sheets of store-bought puff pastry, stacking them high to create a beautiful tower of dessert.

The finished Nectarine Napoleons were a work of art. The golden pastry was crisp and flaky, the creamy pastry cream was rich and velvety, and the nectarines added a burst of freshness and flavor. I was so proud of myself for creating such a stunning dessert, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

From that day on, Nectarine Napoleons became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I made them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to dinner parties. Each time I served them, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe and made it my own. I've experimented with different fruits, like peaches and strawberries, and added a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. I've even drizzled them with a raspberry coulis or a caramel sauce for extra decadence.

But no matter how I've changed it, the essence of the Nectarine Napoleons remains the same. It's a beautiful and elegant dessert that never fails to impress. And every time I make it, I think back to that first time I saw the recipe and how it sparked my love for baking and creating delicious treats for my loved ones.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Nectarine Napoleons. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!