Easy Strawberry Napoleon Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Unfold thawed puff pastry on cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut pastry into nine squares. Place on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely. , In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar and vanilla; set aside. In another bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for two minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft set. Stir in whipped topping and until thoroughly blended. Cover and refrigerate. , To assemble, split puff pastry squares horizontally for a total of 18 squares. Set aside six tops. Place six of the remaining puff pastry pieces on individual serving plates. Spread about 1/4 cup pudding mixture over each pastry square. Top with a spoonful of strawberries and another piece of puff pastry. Spread remaining pudding mixture over pastry pieces. Top with remaining strawberries and reserved pastry tops. , In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Transfer chocolate to a small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Cut a tiny corner from bag; squeeze chocolate over napoleons.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle work surface with some of granulated sugar. Unfold dough on top and sprinkle with more granulated sugar. If necessary, roll out to a 9 1/2-by-12 1/2-inch rectangle, slightly more than 1/8 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet; freeze 20 minutes. Cut into twelve 4-by-2 1/4-inch rectangles. Transfer to two baking sheets and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Prick rectangles all over with a fork. Coat two wire racks with cooking spray and place one over each set of rectangles (if you only have one cooling rack, work in batches). Bake until pastry just reaches tops of racks, about 15 minutes (do not let it bake into racks and stick). Remove racks; continue to bake until golden and evenly browned, about 15 minutes more. Let cool completely on racks, about 30 minutes.
• With a mixer, whisk cream, creme fraiche, vanilla seeds, and confectioners' sugar on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Fit a pastry bag with a large star tip (such as Ateco #825). Split pastry rectangles horizontally (to create 24 pieces total). Choose 8 nice tops; set aside. Arrange a single layer of strawberries over 8 bottom rectangles. Pipe about 2 tablespoons cream over berries. Top with a second layer of berries. Pipe 2 tablespoons cream onto 8 more rectangles. Top with a layer of strawberries. Pipe a dollop of cream onto bottom and place on top of first layer, pressing very gently to help stick. Pipe a dollop of cream on bottom of reserved rectangles and place on top, sugared-sides up. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Have ready 3 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed. Spray 1 sheet of phyllo with butter-flavored cooking spray, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar; top with a second sheet of phyllo, cooking spray, and cinnamon sugar. Top with remaining sheet. Cut into 12 squares. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and crisp. Fold 1/2 cup whipped cream or topping into 1 cup vanilla pudding. For each Napoleon, top a pastry square with some pudding mixture and sliced berries. Repeat layer, then top with a pastry squared. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Mix pudding mix and milk-(skim or low fat is fine) and beat on low for 2 minutes.
• Fold in Cool Whip- can be low or non fat.
• Place 12 crackers in bottom of 8" square dish to cover bottom, break crackers if needed. Breaking also helps disguise the saltines.
• Top with 1/3 of the pudding mix.
• Repeat to create a total of three layers of crackers and three layers of pudding.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
• Just before serving top with cleaned and sliced berries.
• Note: Vanilla and strawberries are my favorite combo but try with different types of fresh fruit using what is in season. Also try different pudding flavors keeping in mind that lighter colors disguise the saltines the best!

Steps:

• Thaw the frozen puff pastry by placing it in room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Once thawed, unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3 strips along the fold mark.
• Cut each of the 3 strips into 4 rectangles; you will have a total of 12 same sized rectangles.
• Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet about an inch apart and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pastry cool.
• In the meantime, make the vanilla pudding according to the package directions using the cold milk.
• Fold in the whipped cream into the set vanilla pudding.
• Now break apart each pastry rectangle into 2 layers - top and bottom; you now have 24 rectangles.
• Keep aside 8 top layers.
• Line up 8 bottom parts and spoon ½ of the vanilla mixture on them, dividing equally between the 8 pastries.
• Top with strawberry slices and another piece of pastry.
• Repeat with the remaining vanilla mixture and strawberry slices.
• Top with the reserved pastry tops.
• Garnish with a few slices of strawberry and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Either serve immediately or the patries can be refrigerated for upto 3 hours.
• Note that the preparation time does not include time to thaw the pastry.

Steps:

• Make the pastries: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl; brush all over the puff pastry, then sprinkle with the sugar. Freeze until the pastry is firm, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the strawberry filling: Mash 1 cup strawberries with a fork in a large bowl. Add the remaining strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar and the vanilla; toss to coat. Set aside until ready to assemble. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake until golden, 5 to 7 minutes; set aside. Cut the puff pastry into four 4-inch squares with a sharp knife; prick all over with a fork. Transfer to the oven and bake until puffed and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue baking until flaky and golden brown, about 15 more minutes. Remove to a rack and let cool completely.
• Make the prosecco cream: Combine the mascarpone, heavy cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the prosecco in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. (Do not overbeat or the cream will become grainy.) Slice the pastries in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Put a bottom half on each plate. Top each with some prosecco cream and strawberries with their juices; cover with the top pastry halves and sprinkle with the almonds. Photograph by Anna Williams

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Combine pudding mix and cold milk; fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Unfold pastry on a cool, lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 strips along fold marks, then cut each strip into four equal pieces. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet, and cool.
• Split pastries into 2 layers, setting the 8 best looking tops aside. Spread 8 bottom layers with dollops of the pudding mixture. Top each with a layer of strawberries, a small amount of pudding, and another pastry layer. (A small amount of the pudding mix on top of the berries will help keep the layers together.) Spread with remaining pudding mixture and strawberries, and top with remaining pastry layers (the best looking ones). Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

Steps:

• Make sauce:
• Simmer strawberries in syrup with sugar, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then pur\ée in a blender.
• Assemble napoleons:
• Trim and quarter enough strawberries to measure 3 cups. Beat cream in a chilled bowl until it just holds stiff peaks.
• Put 1 cookie on a plate and spread 1/2 cup whipped cream over it. Top with ‚ cup quartered strawberries and drizzle about 3 tablespoons sauce over them. Lean a second cookie at an angle over berries and lightly dust with confectioners sugar. Make 5 more napoleons in same manner.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, and set aside. Have ready another baking pan, unlined. In a small bowl, combine corn syrup with 1 teaspoon warm water; set aside.
• Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll puff-pastry sheet into a 12-inch square; trim edges. Cut sheet on the fold lines, making three 4-by-12-inch rectangles. Place rectangles on lined pan. Top with another piece of parchment. Place the unlined pan on top of the filled pan. Bake puff pastry 8 minutes.
• Remove the empty pan and top parchment, and return pan to oven. Bake until pastry starts to puff and is light-golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven; lightly brush with reserved corn-syrup mixture. Using a long metal spatula, gently flip rectangles. Brush again with corn-syrup mixture. Bake until shiny and golden brown, about 9 minutes more. With the spatula, transfer puff pastry to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees. Using a pastry brush, coat the bottom of a medium oven-proof saute pan with 1 tablespoon butter; scrape vanilla seeds into butter. Place strawberries, cut sides down, in pan. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, and lay vanilla pod on top. Roast until strawberries start to "slump" and feel soft when squeezed, 10 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer all but 2 of the berries and vanilla pod to a plate to cool. Reserve juices in pan.
• Set pan over high heat. If using Grand Marnier, add to pan, and light a match, carefully igniting liqueur; allow flame to burn out, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium. Using a fork, mash 2 remaining strawberries; add orange juice. (If not using liqueur, add 2 tablespoons more orange juice). Cook until thick and syrupy, 30 to 40 seconds; discard vanilla pod. Remove from heat. Swirl in the remaining tablespoon butter, and set aside.
• Combine cream and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer, and whip until stiff peaks form.
• Without using a tip, close off the end of a pastry bag with a paper clip or clothespin; fill with whipped cream. Repeat, filling a second pastry bag with orange pastry cream. (Alternatively, use two resealable plastic bags, and cut off a corner on each; an offset spatula can also be used to spread both whipped and pastry creams.)
• Pipe a tablespoon of pastry cream onto the middle of a serving plate. Center a rectangle of puff pastry on top. Leaving a 1/2-inch border, pipe orange pastry cream onto puff pastry. Arrange roasted strawberries on top of pastry cream; scrape any remaining juices from plate into reserved sauce. Place a second rectangle of puff pastry on top of strawberries. Leaving a 1/2-inch border, pipe whipped cream onto second rectangle of puff pastry. Sprinkle with pistachios. Place a third rectangle of puff pastry on top.
• Using a serrated knife, slice assembled napoleon into 4 pieces. Drizzle with the reserved sauce, and serve.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out 1 puff pastry sheet on a floured work surface until it is 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 16 squares. Transfer to a baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Repeat with remaining puff pastry sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned on the top and bottom, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Combine cream cheese, white sugar, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix by hand until smooth and glossy. Dollop cream cheese mixture over 16 squares. Spread out cream cheese mixture and cover with raspberries. Top with the remaining puff pastry squares and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Steps:

• Sprinkle gelatine over milk in small saucepan; let stand 1 min. Cook on low heat 3 min. or until gelatine is completely dissolved, stirring constantly. Add sugar; stir until dissolved. Cool slightly.
• Place yogurt, ricotta cheese and lemon zest in blender; cover. Blend until smooth. Gradually add gelatine mixture, blending well after each addition. Pour into medium bowl; cover. Refrigerate 30 min. or until slightly thickened.
• Stir in strawberries. Refrigerate an additional 30 min. or until mixture is of mounding consistency. Top each of 12 graham squares with 2 Tbsp. of the strawberry mixture; cover each with a second graham square. Repeat layers once. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftover desserts in refrigerator.

Steps:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pastry sheet to a 9-in. square. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate, without stirring, until chilled. , For topping, beat cream in a chilled large bowl until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. , Place one pastry square on a serving platter. Top with the custard, strawberries, sweetened whipped cream and second pastry. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate leftovers.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place 1 phyllo sheet on work surface (cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap, then damp kitchen towel). Brush phyllo sheet with some melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Top with second phyllo sheet. Brush with some melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Repeat with 2 more phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter and sprinkling each with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Cut phyllo stack in half lengthwise; cut crosswise into thirds, creating six 4 1/4-inch squares. Transfer squares to 1 prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Repeat with 4 more phyllo sheets to create 6 more squares; transfer to second baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Bake phyllo until light golden, about 7 minutes. Using spatula, transfer phyllo stacks to rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets, butter, and sugar to make 36 squares total. (Phyllo squares can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store between layers of waxed paper in airtight container at room temperature.)
• Bring vinegar and 4 teaspoons sugar to boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, about 25 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate.)
• Beat mascarpone, cream, vanilla extract, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. (Mascarpone filling can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Set aside 1/4 of strawberries and blueberries for garnish. Place 12 phyllo squares on work surface. Spread each with 1 tablespoon mascarpone filling. Cover with remaining sliced strawberries. Spread 1 tablespoon filling over strawberries. Place another 12 phyllo squares atop filling with corners slightly askew to bottom square. Spread each square with 1 tablespoon filling. Cover with remaining blueberries. Spread 1 more tablespoon filling over blueberries. Top with final 12 phyllo squares with corners slightly askew to middle square. (Can be made 3 hours ahead. Place napoleons on 2 large baking sheets. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Spoon dollop of filling atop each napoleon. Garnish with reserved straw-berry slices and blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar. Place 1 napoleon in center of each plate. Drizzle balsamic reduction around edge of plates.
• *Italian cream cheese, available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.