Strawberry-Filled Millefeuille Recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases.
3. Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut each sheet into rectangles (about 3 inches by 5 inches). You should have around 12 pieces total.
4. Bake the Pastry: Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to prick holes in the dough to prevent it from puffing too much. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Mix Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but doesn’t boil.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Combine Egg Yolks: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly thickened, then gradually add the sugar mixture.
4. Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
5. Cook the Cream: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Allow the pastry cream to cool before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Millefeuille

1. Layer the Pastry: Take one piece of puff pastry as the base. Spread a layer of vanilla pastry cream over it, followed by a layer of the macerated strawberries.
2. Add Another Layer: Place another puff pastry piece on top and repeat the layering process—cream, strawberries, then top with a final piece of puff pastry.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once assembled, dust the top layer with powdered sugar for a lovely finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the assembled millefeuille into individual servings. Optionally, serve with whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries on the side.
2. Presentation: For an elegant touch, consider drizzling some strawberry sauce or coulis over the plate before placing the millefeuille on top.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Pastry Cream: Ensure the pastry cream is well chilled before layering, as this will help the millefeuille hold its shape better.
• Store Carefully: While millefeuille is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep the pastry crispy.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as lemon curd, chocolate mousse, or other seasonal fruits.

Conclusion

This Strawberry-Filled Millefeuille Recipe is a delightful way to showcase the fresh flavors of strawberries while enjoying the flaky texture of puff pastry. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends alike. So, roll up your sleeves and indulge in creating this beautiful French pastry that tastes as exquisite as it looks! Enjoy!