Mini Napoleon Pastries are delightful, layered desserts made with crisp puff pastry, creamy pastry cream, and a sweet glaze. These elegant treats are perfect for special occasions and are sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional)
• Fresh berries or mint leaves (optional)

Timing

Making Mini Napoleon Pastries takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 2-3 hours for chilling and assembly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out.
3. Cut into Squares: Cut the pastry into small rectangles (about 2×3 inches) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
3. Combine: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
4. Thicken Cream: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Mini Napoleons

1. Layer Pastry: Take one piece of baked puff pastry and spread a layer of pastry cream on top. Place another piece of pastry on top and repeat the process, finishing with a third piece of pastry on top.
2. Chill: Place the assembled mini Napoleons in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Glaze the Pastries: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the top layer of each mini Napoleon. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or ganache for decoration.
2. Garnish: Top with fresh berries or mint leaves if desired.
3. Serve: Cut into smaller portions if desired and serve chilled. Enjoy these elegant Mini Napoleon Pastries!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Mini Napoleon Pastries (per pastry, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	3g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	23g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of almond extract or citrus zest to the pastry cream for extra flavor.
• Fruit Layers: Incorporate layers of fresh fruit or fruit preserves between the pastry cream layers for added freshness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Mini Napoleon Pastries are a sophisticated and delicious dessert that combines flaky pastry with creamy filling. Perfect for any celebration, these elegant treats are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!