Easy Strawberry Dessert Napoleon
Layers of buttery pastry, silky cream, and fresh strawberries create a bakery-style dessert you can assemble in minutes. This is the easiest “wow-factor” strawberry dessert you can make.
🧾 INGREDIENTS (Serves 6–8)
For the Pastry Layers
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
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2 tablespoons coarse sugar, optional
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Strawberries
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3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: ¼ cup strawberry preserves (for glossy layers)
For the Cream Filling
Choose one based on preference:
Option A: Classic Vanilla Whipped Cream
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2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
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½ cup powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Option B: Pastry-Cream Style (Cream Cheese Whip)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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1¾ cups whipped cream folded in
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This gives a firmer, bakery-style Napoleon.
👩🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
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Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
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Unfold the puff pastry and cut into rectangles (typically 6–9 pieces).
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Place on parchment-lined sheet.
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Prick each rectangle with a fork to prevent over-puffing.
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Brush lightly with egg wash.
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Sprinkle coarse sugar (optional).
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Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
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Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Strawberries
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Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla.
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Let sit 10–15 minutes to release juices.
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If you want glossy layers, warm strawberry preserves for 10 seconds and fold in.
3. Make the Cream Filling
Whipped Cream Version
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Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to soft peaks.
Bakery-Style Cream Cheese Version
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Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
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Fold in whipped cream until fluffy.
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Chill to firm slightly.
4. Assemble the Napoleons
You can assemble individual desserts or a large stacked pastry.
Individual Layered Napoleons
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Place one pastry rectangle on a plate.
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Pipe or spoon cream onto it.
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Add sliced strawberries.
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Add another pastry layer.
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Repeat layers as desired (2–3 layers total).
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Top with cream, a few strawberry slices & powdered sugar.
Large Sharing Napoleon
Layer in this order:
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Pastry sheet
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Cream
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Strawberries
Repeat and slice like cake.
✨ CHEF-LEVEL TIPS FOR PERFECT NAPOLEONS
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Assemble just before serving to maintain crisp pastry.
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If making ahead, keep components separate.
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For restaurant-level presentation:
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Alternate angles of pastry
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Drizzle plate with strawberry syrup or white chocolate
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Add a small mint leaf on top
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🌟 PREMIUM VARIATIONS
1. Strawberry Lemon Napoleon
Add lemon curd between layers.
2. Strawberry Cheesecake Napoleon
Use cream cheese filling + add graham cracker crumbs between layers.
3. Strawberry Chocolate Napoleon
Brush each pastry layer with melted chocolate before assembly.
4. Mascarpone Strawberry Napoleon
Use a mascarpone whipped cream for an Italian-style version.
5. Almond Napoleon
Sprinkle sliced almonds on pastry before baking.
🍽 SERVING SUGGESTIONS
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Best served fresh
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Beautiful for brunch, showers, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or summer parties
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Serve with extra berries and powdered sugar
- 1 sheet (half of a 17 oz. pkg) frozen puff pastry*
- 1 (3.4 oz) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 2 cup stemmed and sliced strawberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
Directions:
Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk pudding mix, milk, and extract for 2 minutes; fold in whipped topping and blend thoroughly.
Carefully split each piece of pastry in half horizontally.
This recipe makes 3 servings and enjoy it!
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