🍓 Puff Pastry Strawberry Baskets

Yield: 8–10 baskets
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastry Baskets

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
• 3–4 tbsp strawberry jam

For the Vanilla Custard

• 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or seeds of ½ vanilla bean)

For the Decoration

• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Edible flowers (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Baskets

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut circles using a cookie cutter.
3. Cut the center out of half the circles to create rings.
4. Place one full circle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush lightly with egg wash and place a pastry ring on top. Add a second ring for deeper baskets if desired.
6. Brush the tops with egg wash.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
8. Cool completely.

2. Make the Basket Handles

1. Cut thin strips of puff pastry (about 3–4 mm wide).
2. Twist each strip into a spiral.
3. Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
5. Let cool.

3. Prepare the Custard

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick and creamy.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.
4. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill completely.

4. Assemble

1. Spread 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam inside each pastry basket.
2. Pipe the cooled vanilla custard over the jam.
3. Insert a baked pastry handle into each basket.
4. Top with fresh strawberries.
5. Garnish with mint leaves, edible flowers, and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips

• Chill the baskets for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• You can substitute raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mixed berries for the strawberries.
• For extra shine, brush the strawberries with a little warmed apricot jam.

These elegant strawberry baskets are buttery, crisp, creamy, and perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, baby showers, or any special occasion. 🍓🥐