Name: Raspberry Cream Napoleons
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh raspberries; Optional: 2 tbsp raspberry jam or preserves; Optional garnish: extra powdered sugar, mint leaves, or chocolate drizzle

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Raspberry Cream Napoleons are a beautiful, elegant dessert made with layers of crisp puff pastry, sweet whipped cream, and juicy raspberries. I love making these when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They look delicate and bakery-quality, but they’re actually quite simple to assemble with just a few ingredients and a little care.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Napoleons for their balance of textures and flavors—the flaky pastry, airy cream, and tart raspberries come together perfectly in each bite. They’re light yet indulgent, and they feel fancy enough for dinner parties or special occasions. Plus, they’re easy to customize and can be made ahead, which makes them one of my go-to desserts when I want something both stunning and stress-free. Raspberry Cream Napoleons

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Fresh raspberries
Optional: raspberry jam or preserves
Optional garnish: powdered sugar, mint leaves, or chocolate drizzle

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into even rectangles (about 3×2 inches). I place them on the baking sheet and prick the tops with a fork to prevent too much puffing.
I bake the pastry for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp. I let them cool completely.
While the pastry cools, I whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
If I want extra raspberry flavor, I stir a spoonful of raspberry jam into the cream.
To assemble, I layer one piece of puff pastry with cream and fresh raspberries, then top with a second piece of pastry. I add another layer of cream and fruit, finishing with a final pastry piece.
I dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate, then chill the Napoleons briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 Napoleons, depending on the size of your pastry pieces. It takes 20 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of baking, and about 10 minutes to assemble, for a total of 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap raspberries for strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries depending on what’s in season. I also like folding lemon zest into the cream for a citrusy twist. For a chocolate version, I spread a thin layer of ganache between the pastry and cream. I’ve even made mini Napoleons for bite-sized desserts or plated them deconstructed for a more modern presentation.

storage/reheating

I store unassembled components separately for up to 2 days. Once assembled, I try to serve them within a few hours to keep the pastry crisp. If I need to make them ahead, I keep them chilled and assemble close to serving time. I don’t reheat Napoleons—they’re best served cold or at room temperature. Raspberry Cream Napoleons

FAQs

Can I make Napoleons ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the pastry and prepare the cream ahead. I assemble them the day I’m serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Do I need to use homemade puff pastry?

No, I use store-bought puff pastry for convenience—it works perfectly and saves time.

Can I freeze these?

I don’t recommend freezing assembled Napoleons, but I freeze baked puff pastry and thaw it when needed.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

I assemble them just before serving and avoid adding too much jam or wet ingredients between layers.

What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?

I’ve used thawed frozen raspberries in a pinch, but I make sure to pat them dry first. I’ve also used raspberry jam on its own for flavor.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Napoleons are a classic, elegant dessert that always wows with minimal effort. I love how easy it is to bring bakery-style beauty to my own table with just puff pastry, whipped cream, and fresh berries. Whether I’m serving them at a dinner party or treating myself on a quiet afternoon, these Napoleons never fail to impress and satisfy.