Puff Pastry Fruit Basket

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen puff pastry squares (thawed)
• egg wash (for brushing)
• 0.5 cup strawberry jam (for filling)
• 2 cup whole milk (for custard)
• 0.5 cup sugar (for custard)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (for custard)
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 4 egg yolks (for custard)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for custard)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean, citrus peels, or 1 tsp orange blossom water)
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh, for topping)
• edible flowers (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. 2

   Cut the thawed puff pastry into rings. From half of the pastry pieces, cut smaller centers out to form rings. Stack these ring pieces onto the full rounds, pressing gently to adhere. For extra height, you can add a third layer using egg wash as glue.

3. 3

   Place the assembled baskets on a parchment-lined baking tray and brush the tops with egg wash.

4. 4

   Bake the baskets for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

5. 5

   To make the handles, cut puff pastry into strips measuring approximately 3–4 mm wide by 10 cm long. Twist the strips into spirals.

6. 6

   Arrange the twisted handles on a baking tray and brush them with egg wash.

7. 7

   Bake the handles for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

8. 8

   Prepare the custard cream by whisking the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, sea salt, and milk together in a pot.

9. 9

   Cook the mixture over low heat, whisking constantly until the custard becomes thick.

10. 10

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and your chosen flavoring (vanilla, citrus peels, or orange blossom water).

11. 11

    To assemble, fill the cooled pastry baskets with a layer of strawberry jam followed by the custard cream.

12. 12

    Press one pastry handle into the cream of each basket to secure it. Garnish the tops with fresh strawberries and edible flowers.

Notes

Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for the best rise. The custard can be made ahead of time and chilled; if it becomes too firm, whisk it briefly before filling the baskets.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• appetizer
• baking
• strawberry
• puff pastry
• summer
• elegant
• vegetarian