Cream & Berry Pastry Bites

Step 2: Create the Pastry Base

1. Using a sharp knife, lightly score a smaller square inside each puff pastry square, leaving a small border. This helps the edges rise while the center stays slightly sunken for the filling.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk to make an egg wash.
3. Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash. This ensures a golden, shiny finish.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry

1. Bake the puff pastry squares in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until fully combined. The result should be a light, fluffy cream filling.

Step 5: Assemble the Pastry Bites

1. Once the pastry squares are cool, use a spoon or a piping bag to fill the sunken center with the cream mixture.
2. Top each cream-filled pastry with fresh berries. You can mix berries for a colorful look or use a single type for uniformity.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Optionally, dust the pastries with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
2. Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma.
3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 hours before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cream & Berry Pastry Bites

• Keep ingredients cold: Cold puff pastry and cream make the process easier and help the pastries puff better.
• Use fresh, ripe berries: Juicy berries balance the richness of the cream filling.
• Don’t overfill: Overfilling can make the pastries soggy. A small dollop of cream is perfect.
• Optional flavor twist: Add lemon zest to the cream filling for a fresh citrusy note.

These Cream & Berry Pastry Bites are a perfect combination of buttery pastry, smooth cream, and fruity sweetness. They’re elegant enough to serve at a party but simple enough to make as a fun weekend treat. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will impress family and friends.

If you want, I can also make a visual guide with step-by-step images for these pastries to make it super easy to follow.

Do you want me to do that?