Name: Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry (thawed); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened); 1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 2 tablespoons berry jam or preserves; Powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as heavenly to eat as it is striking to behold, you’ll love this Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake. Delicate, golden layers of crisp pastry pair with billowy mascarpone cream and bursts of juicy fresh berries in every bite. It’s a recipe that feels like a celebration of summer, but it’s delightfully doable any time of year. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or simply want to delight your friends and family, this beautiful cake brings together classic European flavors in an irresistibly easy way.

Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are, yet how wonderfully they come together. Each component plays a role in creating the texture, sweetness, and fresh appeal that define the Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake.

Puff pastry: These frozen sheets bake up light and crisp, forming the signature flaky layers of the cake.
Heavy whipping cream: Whip this until soft peaks form for a luscious, cloud-like filling.
Powdered sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to the cream and a pretty dusting on top.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the mascarpone filling.
Mascarpone cheese: Offers a silky, creamy tang that balances the richness of the dessert.
Mixed fresh berries: A colorful medley (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) adds juiciness and a pop of tartness.
Berry jam or preserves: Optional, for brushing over the top berries to give a gorgeous glossy finish.
Powdered sugar for dusting: A final snowfall of sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake

Step 1: Bake the Puff Pastry Layers

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment. Unfold each puff pastry sheet and set them on your prepped pans. Prick them generously all over with a fork — this helps to keep them flat and evenly golden. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and crisp all over, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step sets the stage for those irresistible, flaky layers that make Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake so special.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

While your pastry is cooling, grab a large bowl and pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip these ingredients together until soft peaks form — the mixture should be cloud-like but still hold its shape. Gently fold in the softened mascarpone cheese, mixing until your cream is silky-smooth. This creamy filling is what will sandwich between each puff pastry layer, holding the cake together with luscious richness.

Step 3: Prep Puff Pastry for Layering

Once your pastry sheets have cooled, trim their edges with a sharp knife if you want super-even layers. Then, cut each sheet into equal-sized rectangles for a neat, bakery-worthy cake. This step keeps your finished Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake looking sharp and professional, but don’t worry if a few edges crumble – that just adds to its rustic charm.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

It’s time for the fun part! Place one rectangle of puff pastry on your serving platter, then spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream on top. Tumble an even layer of mixed berries over the cream, pressing them lightly so they nestle into the filling. Repeat this process, layering pastry, cream, and berries until you reach the final layer of pastry.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

On the top layer of pastry, dust a snowy blanket of powdered sugar for that classic patisserie look. If you’d like a glossy, bakery-style finish, warm the berry jam slightly in the microwave and brush it gently over the berries on the top layer. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes — this helps firm everything up for easier slicing and serving.

How to Serve Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake

Garnishes

A dramatic dusting of powdered sugar never fails, but you can also scatter a few fresh mint leaves or delicate edible flowers over the top for a truly stunning presentation. A drizzle of berry jam glaze will boost shine and intensify the fruity notes in every bite.

Side Dishes

The Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake is so stunning that it really deserves to star solo, but if you’d like to round out your dessert table, pair it with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bright berry sorbet. For a brunch spread, fresh coffee or a glass of bubbly cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake is endlessly adaptable. For parties, consider assembling individual mini cakes by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles. You can also serve sliced portions alongside small cups of macerated berries or a swirl of whipped cream for extra flair at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pastry will gradually soften as it rests, but the flavors meld together beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for the assembled cake, as the fresh berries and whipped cream tend to lose texture when thawed. However, you can freeze baked, cooled puff pastry layers wrapped tightly in foil and assemble the cake fresh with cream and berries when ready to serve.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you like a little extra crunch, you can briefly refresh the pastry layers in a low oven before assembling (just be sure they’re fully cool before adding the cream).

FAQs

Can I use different berries or fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever fruit is in season — blackberries, cherries, peaches, or even kiwi are lovely. Just make sure to slice larger fruits thinly for easy layering.

Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone isn’t available, whipped cream cheese is a great alternative. It will bring similar creaminess and a slight tang to the filling, keeping the essence of the cake intact.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Always cool the pastry completely before assembling. For extra insurance, you can lightly brush the bottom layer with melted white chocolate or a thin layer of jam to create a barrier before adding the cream.

Can I make Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake in advance?

You can bake the pastry and prep the cream filling a day ahead, storing them separately. Assemble the cake a few hours before serving so the pastry stays crisp.

What’s the best way to slice the cake neatly?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to keep the layers intact. Wiping the blade between cuts also helps maintain clean edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both effortless and deeply impressive, the Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake is destined to become a new favorite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it disappear slice by glorious slice!

Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Puff Pastry Cream and Berry Cake. Layers of flaky puff pastry, luscious mascarpone cream, and a colorful assortment of fresh berries make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry (thawed)

Mascarpone Cream:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)

Berries:

1 ½ cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Optional Glaze:

2 tablespoons berry jam or preserves

Additional:

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheets on the baking sheets, prick with a fork, and bake until golden and crisp.
Make Mascarpone Cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone until smooth.
Assemble the Cake: Trim pastry if needed, layer with cream and berries, repeat, and top with a final pastry sheet. Dust with powdered sugar.
Optional Glaze: Warm berry jam, brush over top berries for a glossy finish.
Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for 30 minutes, then slice and serve.