Description
Berry Cream Pastry Cake is a stunning layered dessert perfect for celebrations and special occasions. It features flaky baked puff pastry sheets layered with a luscious whipped cream filling and a fresh mixed berry compote that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color. Chilled to set, this elegant cake is easy to assemble yet delivers impressive bakery-quality results.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry (pre-made or homemade)
Berry Filling
- 2 cups Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
Cream Filling
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Gather all your ingredients and necessary baking tools including a baking sheet, mixing bowls, and a wire rack to ensure a smooth workflow.
- Bake Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the puff pastry sheets flat. Bake them until golden brown and puffed, approximately 25 minutes.
- Cool Pastry: Remove the baked puff pastry sheets from the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely so they don’t wilt the cream filling.
- Prepare Cream Filling: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy cream layer.
- Prepare Berry Filling: In another bowl, combine the mixed berries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Gently toss to combine and let sit briefly so the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch thickens the berry juices.
- Assemble Cake: Place one sheet of cooled puff pastry on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream over it, then spoon an even layer of the berry mixture on top. Repeat layering with the remaining puff pastry, cream, and berries.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves or extra berries for a beautiful presentation. Slice carefully and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is baked until fully golden and crisp for the best texture contrast.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for optimal flavor.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form to avoid a runny filling.
- You can prepare the cake a few hours ahead but keep it refrigerated until serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets.
