Blueberry Lemon Cream Pastries Recipe
Delight in the fresh and zesty flavors of these Blueberry Lemon Cream Pastries, featuring a smooth lemon-infused pastry cream nestled inside golden, flaky puff pastry topped with juicy blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a special brunch treat.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Pastry Cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120mL) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pastries
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed and drained
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Make the lemon pastry cream: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest until combined and slightly liquid in texture. Set aside.
- Heat milk and cream: In a medium pot, combine milk and heavy cream and heat over medium heat until steaming and edges are slightly bubbly, but not boiling.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly drizzle the warm milk and cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add in small increments, whisking well after each addition.
- Cook the custard: Pour the combined mixture back into the pot. Over medium heat, whisk constantly until it thickens and boils to a pudding-like consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Strain cream: Run the pastry cream through a fine mesh strainer to remove lemon zest and any lumps.
- Chill pastry cream: Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until cold and firm.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold puff pastry and cut into 6 rectangles using folds as guides.
- Score and sweeten: Place rectangles 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Score a smaller rectangle inside each about 1/4 inch from the edge, cutting halfway through. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Bake pastries: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Shape pastries: While warm, cut along the scored lines and gently press down or remove the centers to create an indentation for filling.
- Cool: Let the puff pastry shells cool completely before filling.
- Fill and garnish: Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a piping bag and pipe into the pastry shells. Top with fresh blueberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk mixture is hot but not boiling to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly.
- Use fresh lemons for the best bright flavor in the cream.
- Chilling the pastry cream properly helps it hold its shape when piped.
- Work carefully when scoring the puff pastry to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Serve pastries the same day for optimal flakiness and freshness.
Keywords: blueberry pastry, lemon cream, puff pastry dessert, lemon pastry cream, blueberry lemon dessert, easy baked pastries