Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Get ready to whip up some Irresistible Pastry Balls Filled with Cream and Berries that will wow everyone at your next gathering. These little delights are not only gorgeous but totally delectable. I mean, who can resist a crispy pastry ball bursting with creamy filling and fresh berries? I certainly can’t!
I remember the first time I made these pastry balls for a family get-together. I was a bit nervous since everyone is a food critic at my house—a true trial by fire! But the moment I pulled them out of the oven, that golden-brown color shined as bright as my confidence. My relatives couldn’t get enough of them; they practically vanished before I could even snap a picture! These pastry balls have since become a staple dessert at any event. Let me tell you, they’re a crowd favorite!
What’s in Irresistible Pastry Balls Filled with Cream and Berries?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our delightful pastry ball, giving it that perfect texture. I recommend using unbleached flour for a more wholesome flavor.
Water: A simple ingredient that helps to create our dough.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is what brings flavor and richness to the pastry. Always opt for unsalted so you can control the salt levels yourself.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the other flavors we’re about to whip together.
Large Eggs: These help bind the dough and give the pastry a soft structure. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, comforting sweetness to the pastry. Always go for pure vanilla extract if you can—it’s worth it!
Coarse Sugar: I use this for decoration. It gives our pastry balls a lovely, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling.
Heavy Cream: This is the star of our cream filling! It makes for a rich, luxurious texture. You can opt for light cream, but you won’t get that same indulgent mouthfeel.
Powdered Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten up that heavy cream. It dissolves beautifully and creates the perfect whipped cream texture.
Mixed Berries: A blend of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries brings freshness and vibrant color! You can use frozen if fresh isn’t in season, but fresh is always best when available.
Sugar: To sweeten those delectable berries.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken our berry filling, giving it that jam-like consistency.
Lemon Juice: A tiny splash adds brightness and enhances the berry flavors.
Is Irresistible Pastry Balls Filled with Cream and Berries Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect of these pastry balls because, believe it or not, they aren’t all bad!
Berries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, berries are a sweet little powerhouse that can enhance brain health and heart health. They are low in calories and high in nutrients—score!
Heavy Cream: Okay, here’s where we hit a bit of a snag. While it is rich and delicious, heavy cream is high in calories and fat. But it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, right? Moderation is key!
All-Purpose Flour: The flour can add up in carbs, so if you’re keeping an eye on your intake, maybe enjoy these as an occasional treat.
Together, those wholesome ingredients can make an enjoyable dessert that can feel guilt-free when eaten mindfully!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup coarse sugar (for decoration)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
– 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
– 1/4 cup sugar (for berry filling)
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
*Serves: About 12 pastry balls*
How to Make Irresistible Pastry Balls Filled with Cream and Berries?
1. **Prepare the Berry Filling**: In a small saucepan over medium heat, toss together the mixed berries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture simmers and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
2. **Make the Pastry Dough**: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, take it off the heat and add in the flour, stirring until a dough forms. Pop it back on low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides.
3. **Add Eggs**: Take the pan off the heat again and allow the dough to cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
4. **Bake the Pastry Balls**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a spoon or piping bag, dollop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each ball. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden brown and puffed.
5. **Prepare the Cream Filling**: In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until you get soft peaks.
6. **Assemble the Pastry Balls**: Slice each pastry ball in half once they’ve cooled down a bit. Fill the bottom half with a generous spoonful of berry filling, then top it off with a dollop of whipped cream before capping it with the other half of the pastry ball.
Perfect Pastry Tips and Tricks
These pastry balls are best when served fresh, but if you have leftovers (if that’s even possible!), you can store them in the refrigerator for a day. A quick reheat in the oven brings back their delightful crispy texture!
Another fun idea? Garnish with some extra fresh berries and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Not only does it look beautiful, but it makes your creation stand out even more.
I urge you, gather your ingredients and give these Irresistible Pastry Balls Filled with Cream and Berries a whirl! Trust me, everyone will be begging you for the recipe, and you’ll feel like a baking superstar. Don’t forget to send me your success stories and any variations you try! Happy baking!
