Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons

Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Servings: 6

Introduction

Indulge in the delicious and elegant Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons, a delightful dessert that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy almond pudding, fresh strawberries, and toasted almonds. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day of the week.

History

The Napoleon, also known as mille-feuille, is a classic French pastry that consists of layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. This version of the Napoleon adds a twist with the addition of almond extract and fresh strawberries, creating a unique and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

1 sheet (half of 17 oz (482 g) package) frozen puff pastry
1 package (3.4 oz (96 g)) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup skim milk
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup light whipped topping
2 cups stemmed and sliced California strawberries
0.33 cup sliced almonds, toasted
powdered sugar, for garnish

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Thaw the folded pastry sheet for 20 minutes.
Open the sheet and cut along the folds to make three equal strips; then halve each strip to make six rectangles.
Space the rectangles apart on a baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, until they are well browned and baked through.
Remove the rectangles to a rack to cool. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk, and extract for 2 minutes; then fold in the whipped topping to blend thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture. Carefully split each piece of pastry in half horizontally.
Cover the bottom halves with almonds, then spread the pudding mixture and sliced strawberries on top, dividing them equally.
Cover with the pastry tops and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve with the strawberry sauce (recipe follows), if desired.
Makes 6 servings.

To make strawberry sauce

Stem and halve 1 pt (473 ml) basket of California strawberries, then puree them in a blender container with 2 tbsp of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of lemon juice until smooth.
To serve, divide the sauce among 6 plates and top each with a Napoleon.
Note: All components of this dessert can be prepared several hours in advance.
Cover and refrigerate the pudding mixture, strawberries, and sauce. Assemble just before serving.

Variations

Substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a classic flavor profile.
Use different fruits such as raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a unique twist.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the pastry and pudding for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions to ensure it bakes evenly.

- Toasting the almonds adds a nutty flavor and crunch to the dessert.

- For a smoother pudding mixture, whisk the instant pudding mix and milk together until well combined before folding in the whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons with a drizzle of the strawberry sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Thawing the puff pastry properly ensures even baking and a flaky texture.

- Whisking the pudding mix and milk together thoroughly before adding the whipped topping ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole milk or almond milk in place of skim milk for a richer pudding mixture.

- Swap out the instant vanilla pudding mix for homemade pastry cream for a from-scratch version of the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the components of the Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons in advance by refrigerating the pudding mixture, sliced strawberries, and strawberry sauce. Assemble the Napoleons just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Napoleons on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with the strawberry sauce for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory dessert pairing. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a fruity herbal tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate, while almonds provide vitamin E and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and tree nuts (almonds). Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons are a delicious dessert option that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons are a delightful dessert that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy almond pudding, fresh strawberries, and toasted almonds for a sweet and elegant treat. Enjoy this delicious recipe for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence any day of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was at a quaint little bakery in Paris, where I was visiting with my dear friend Marie. The Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons caught my eye with their delicate layers of puff pastry, creamy almond filling, and fresh strawberries. I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I asked the baker for the recipe, but he simply smiled and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. Determined to recreate the delicious dessert, I decided to put my own twist on it and experiment in my own kitchen.

I started by making the puff pastry from scratch, just like my own grandmother used to do. The buttery layers were so light and flaky, it was like biting into a cloud. Next, I whipped up a creamy almond filling using ground almonds, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. The nutty flavor paired perfectly with the sweet strawberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

As I assembled the napoleons, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The layers stacked high with alternating pastry, cream, and strawberries looked like a work of art. I dusted them with powdered sugar and sliced almonds for a finishing touch.

When I presented the Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons to my family, they were amazed. They couldn't believe I had created such a masterpiece in my own kitchen. The flavors were just as I remembered from that bakery in Paris, if not better.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who always rave about how delicious it is. Some have even asked me to teach them how to make it themselves.

As I look back on my journey with this recipe, I am reminded of all the wonderful memories I have created in the kitchen. From late-night baking sessions with my daughters to teaching my grandchildren the art of pastry making, this recipe has brought my family together in ways I never imagined.

Now, as I pass down the recipe for Strawberry-Almond Cream Napoleons to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy and happiness to those who taste it. And who knows, maybe one day my own grandchildren will stand in a kitchen, just like I did, captivated by the flavors of a recipe that has been passed down through the ages.