Fruit baskets

Fruit Cups – A Quick and Refreshing Dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 6 minutes
Total time: 21 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Fruit cups are a simple and refreshing dessert that combines the crispy texture of pastry sheets with the natural sweetness of fruits. This dessert is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a healthy option, thanks to the fresh ingredients. Moreover, it is perfect for impressing guests at a festive meal or simply for indulging yourself on a warm afternoon. Whether you choose seasonal fruits or opt for frozen varieties, these cups are ready to be customized to your taste.

Ingredients:
- 4-5 sheets of pastry
- 30 g melted butter
- Fresh or frozen fruits (preferably non-juicy fruits)
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to achieve a perfectly crispy texture for the pastry sheets.

2. Prepare the molds: Grease 6 muffin pans with melted butter. It is important to cover each mold well to prevent the cups from sticking.

3. Prepare the pastry sheets: Cut the pastry sheets into squares of about 10 cm x 10 cm. If using frozen sheets, make sure they are completely thawed before handling.

4. Assemble the cups: Take a square of dough and place it in each mold, pressing gently to shape it. Using a pastry brush, brush each sheet with melted butter. Then, take another square of dough and place it on top, making sure the corners do not overlap. Repeat this process until each mold has 5-6 overlapping sheets. This layer of dough will ensure a crispy and delicious texture.

5. Baking: Place the molds in a large tray and bake them for 6 minutes or until the sheets turn golden and crispy. Once baked, let them cool in the mold.

6. Prepare the filling: During this time, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar. If desired, you can add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

7. Adding the fruits: The next step is to make a puree from a non-juicy fruit. You can use plums, apples, or pears, depending on your preferences. Mix the obtained puree with the cream cheese. Fill each cup with a tablespoon of this filling. On top, place fresh or frozen fruits, such as blueberries, orange cubes, or even pomegranate seeds for a splash of color and freshness.

8. Serving: The fruit cups are ready to serve! You can decorate them with a little fresh mint or a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated look. This dessert is delicious and pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a glass of prosecco.

Helpful tips:
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, to achieve different textures and flavors.
- If you want to make this dessert less sweet, you can omit the powdered sugar from the filling.
- The cups can be prepared in advance. Just assemble the pastry sheets and fill them with the cream cheese and fruits before serving.

Nutritional values:
These cups are a relatively light dessert option, having around 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the chosen fruits and the amount of added sugar. Fresh fruits provide an important supply of vitamins and antioxidants, while cheese offers protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought pastry sheets?
Yes, store-bought pastry sheets are perfectly acceptable and will save you time.
2. What other fruits can I use?
You can use almost any fruits you like. Berries, kiwi, strawberries, or bananas are all excellent options.
3. Can I freeze the cups before baking?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Make sure they are well covered to prevent drying out.

Customized version:
A unique suggestion is to add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheese filling to bring a special flavor to your dessert. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or seeds on top for an extra crunch.

Fruit cups are a versatile and easy-to-make dessert that will delight your guests and bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. Whether you choose to serve them at a party or as a healthy snack, this dessert will always be a hit!