How to Make a French Strawberry Mille-Feuille

The French Strawberry Mille-Feuille, also known as "Napolean," is a delightful pastry made with layers of crispy puff pastry, rich pastry cream, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for showcasing seasonal fruits, this dessert is not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds. Here's how to make a delicious French Strawberry Mille-Feuille from scratch.

Ingredients

To begin making your French Strawberry Mille-Feuille, gather the following ingredients:

  • For the Puff Pastry:
  • 1 package of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 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 Assembly:
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).


2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick.


3. Cut the pastry into rectangles, about 3 inches by 5 inches. You should get around 12 pieces.


4. Place the rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Prick them with a fork to prevent puffing.


5. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.


6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's just about to simmer. Remove from heat.


2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined.


3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.


4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).


5. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.


6. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Mille-Feuille

1. Once both the puff pastry and pastry cream are cool, it’s time to assemble the dessert.


2. Place one layer of puff pastry on a serving platter. Spread a layer of pastry cream over the top.


3. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream.


4. Repeat the layers, adding another piece of puff pastry, followed by more pastry cream and strawberries. Continue layering until you have three layers of puff pastry.


5. For the top layer, place a final piece of puff pastry and dust the top generously with powdered sugar.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the French Strawberry Mille-Feuille into individual servings, showcasing the beautiful layers. Serve immediately for the best texture, as the puff pastry may become soggy if left for too long. Enjoy this classic French dessert with a cup of coffee or tea!

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this French Strawberry Mille-Feuille is sure to impress. Create a taste of France in your kitchen and savor each delightful bite!