Name: Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 whole fresh phyllo pastry sheets (or frozen, thawed); 6 teaspoons granulated white sugar ((use slightly more, if desired)); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup chilled whipping cream; 1½ teaspoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup lemon curd ((purchased)); 2 ½ pint baskets fresh raspberries ((about 1 cup)); powdered sugar

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When I think of warm summer evenings, nothing quite captures that feeling like Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons. This dessert is a delightful fusion of crisp, flaky layers and the vibrant taste of fresh raspberries paired with zesty lemon cream. One memorable evening, I decided to create this dessert for my closest friends who were visiting. As I layered the phyllo pastry, I could feel the excitement in the air. The sound of the pastry crackling as it baked in the oven filled the kitchen with an inviting aroma. It’s not just about the taste; it’s the experience of making something special for the people you love.

As the sun began to set, I assembled the napoleons, carefully spreading the silky lemon cream and topping each layer with plump raspberries. The presentation was stunning, and I knew my friends would be impressed. This dessert quickly became a favorite, perfectly balancing sweetness and acidity, leaving everyone craving more. Whether it’s for a summer gathering or a quiet night in, Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons always delivers a touch of sophistication and joy.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

What Makes This Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons Special

Aesthetic Appeal

There’s something magical about the way Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons looks on a plate. The golden-brown, flaky layers of phyllo pastry are an eye-catching contrast against the vibrant red of fresh raspberries and the creamy lemon filling. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate.

Textural Harmony

The crunch of the phyllo pastry complements the smoothness of the lemon cream beautifully. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a rich, creamy texture, making it an unforgettable experience. This contrast is what keeps you coming back for more!

Flavor Symphony

The zesty lemon curd combined with the sweetness of the raspberries creates a perfect balance that dances on your taste buds. Each ingredient enhances the other, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and freshness. It’s a dessert that truly celebrates the season.

Make Ahead Convenience

One of the best aspects of making Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons is that it can be prepared ahead of time. This allows you to enjoy the company of your guests without being stuck in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully when refrigerated, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Versatile Ingredients

Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can switch out the raspberries for strawberries or blueberries based on what’s in season. This adaptability ensures that you can enjoy a version of this dessert all year round, tailored to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Conversation Starter

Bringing Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons to the table will undoubtedly spark conversations. It’s a unique dessert that often leaves diners curious about how it’s made, creating a lovely atmosphere of sharing and storytelling. It’s a dish that fosters connection and delight.

Ingredients Required for Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons

Creating the perfect Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The main players include fresh raspberries, which add a burst of flavor, and phyllo pastry, which provides that satisfying crunch. Together, they create a luxurious dessert that will impress anyone.

6 whole fresh phyllo pastry sheets or frozen, thawed: These delicate layers are the foundation of the dessert, providing a light, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
6 teaspoons granulated white sugar (use slightly more, if desired): This adds a touch of sweetness to the phyllo layers, enhancing their flavor and creating a slight caramelization when baked.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This helps in brushing the phyllo sheets, making them rich and golden while maintaining their flakiness.
½ cup chilled whipping cream: A key element for the creamy filling, it adds a luxurious texture and pairs well with the tangy lemon curd.
1½ teaspoons powdered sugar: This sweetener helps stabilize the whipped cream, ensuring it holds its shape while adding a subtle sweetness.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: It enriches the flavor of the cream, balancing the tartness of the lemon curd.
¼ cup lemon curd (purchased): This zesty filling is the star of the show, bringing brightness and a punch of flavor to the dessert.
Two ½ pint baskets (about 1 cup) fresh raspberries: These juicy berries provide a fresh contrast to the creamy filling, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Powdered sugar: For dusting, it adds a beautiful finish and a hint of sweetness.

The Process for Making Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons

Making Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons is a rewarding process that brings simple ingredients together in a delightful way. Follow these steps, and you’ll create a dessert that will impress everyone at your table.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray two large baking sheets with nonstick spray. This step ensures that your phyllo pastry will not stick, allowing for easy removal once they’re done baking.
Stack the phyllo sheets on your work surface. Trim them to 10 ½ inch squares, setting the scraps aside for another use. Carefully layering the sheets will create the ideal texture for your dessert.
Place one phyllo sheet on your work surface, covering the remaining phyllo with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Sprinkle it generously with one teaspoon of sugar. This will not only add sweetness but will also help create a caramelized crust.
Top the first phyllo sheet with a second sheet, brushing it lightly with melted unsalted butter. Again, sprinkle with one teaspoon of sugar. Adding layers of butter and sugar is key to achieving that golden, crispy texture.
Add a third phyllo sheet on top, sprinkling it with another teaspoon of sugar. Continue this layering to build a sturdy base, ensuring each layer is rich and flavorful.
Cut the phyllo stack into nine equal squares. Arrange these squares on your prepared baking sheets. This will allow them to bake evenly and become beautifully golden.
Repeat the layering and cutting process with the remaining three sheets of phyllo, sugar, and butter. You should end up with a total of eighteen stacked squares that will form the bases of your napoleons.
Bake until the phyllo is golden, which should take about ten minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking. Once they are golden, transfer the baking sheets to a rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the chilled whipping cream, one and a half teaspoons of powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy filling that complements the crispy pastry perfectly.
In another medium bowl, whisk the lemon curd until smooth. Gradually add it to the whipped cream mixture and beat until you reach a consistency of stiff peaks. This lemon cream will be the star of your dessert, bringing a zesty punch.
Spread one generous tablespoon of the lemon cream on each of six stacked phyllo squares. Top each square with six raspberries, creating a beautiful layer of fruit that adds freshness.
Layer each with another phyllo square, a tablespoon of the lemon cream, and six more raspberries. Save any remaining lemon cream for another use. Top each with a final phyllo square.
Sift powdered sugar over the desserts before serving. This final touch adds a beautiful presentation and a hint of sweetness.
For convenience, these can be prepared up to eight hours ahead of time. Just cover loosely and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Things Worth Knowing

Phyllo pastry is best when kept covered; it dries out quickly. Ensure to work with one sheet at a time.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting the phyllo, as this will help maintain clean edges.
Watch the phyllo closely while baking; it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
To enhance flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream or the phyllo layers.

Recipe Tips about Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons

Perfecting your Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons requires a bit of finesse. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The phyllo may lose its crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled napoleons for up to a month. However, it’s best to freeze only the phyllo layers separately to maintain their crispness.
Pairing: These desserts pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Variations: Try substituting different fruits like strawberries or blueberries, or even mix in some chocolate layers for a decadent twist.
Presentation: Use a pastry bag to pipe the lemon cream for a more elegant look. It will add a professional touch to your dessert.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these napoleons with a side of fresh fruit or a berry compote for extra flavor.

Side Dish Ideas for Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons

When it comes to serving Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons, you have endless options to complement this delightful dessert.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or a fruit salad enhances the flavors and adds a healthy balance.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or lemon ice cream pairs beautifully, creating a creamy contrast to the flaky pastry.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a perfect pairing, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
Cheese Plate: A light cheese platter with fresh or soft cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce on the plate for an elegant touch and a hint of richness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a rich, creamy texture that enhances each bite.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen phyllo pastry for Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using. This will help ensure the sheets are easy to work with and will create that perfect flaky texture.

If you’re not a fan of raspberries, feel free to substitute them with other fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. The lemon cream pairs beautifully with various fruit, allowing you to customize Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons to your taste.

To prevent phyllo pastry from drying out while you work, cover the unworked sheets with damp kitchen towels. This keeps them moist and pliable, making it easier to layer and manipulate the sheets without them breaking.

Absolutely! You can prepare Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons up to eight hours in advance. Just cover them loosely and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Conclusion

In summary, Lemon Cream Raspberry Phyllo Napoleons combine the delightful crunch of phyllo with creamy lemon and fresh berries, creating an exquisite treat. I encourage you to try making this dessert at home; it’s an experience you won’t forget. Your friends and family will surely be impressed, and you may find it becoming a regular feature at your gatherings.