Strawberry Napoleon

Name: Strawberry Napoleon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (17-1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1-1/2 cups milk; 3 egg yolks, beaten; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; TOPPING:; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 pints fresh strawberries, sliced; Additional confectioners' sugar

I 'constructed' this elegant and popular creation 6 years ago, and my wife, Deci, embellished it into a work of art.—Dean Barns, Farmington, New Mexico

Ingredients

1 package (17-1/4 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 tablespoon butter
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
TOPPING:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pastry sheet to a 9-in. square. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate, without stirring, until chilled.
For topping, beat cream in a chilled large bowl until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form.
Place one pastry square on a serving platter. Top with the custard, strawberries, sweetened whipped cream and second pastry. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 475 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.

Originally published as Strawberry Napoleon in Taste of Home August/September 1999

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mtnbikerchick

Apr 5, 2011

This is the best strawberry dessert recipe. I have had the actual "real thing" made by Dean for his restaurant - and can never get enough. I have made it on numerous ocassions and get rave reviews. I always try to pass it off as my own - but end up giving credit where credit is due! You can't go wrong!!