Puff pastry baskets with sweet vanilla cheese and fruits

Puff Pastry Cups with Sweet Vanilla Cheese and Fruits

Discover a simple, quick, and delicious recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These puff pastry cups filled with a smooth sweet vanilla cheese cream, topped with fresh fruits, are perfect for any occasion, from a simple snack to festive desserts. Cooking at home has never been so enjoyable!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients:
- Puff pastry (about half of a standard sheet)
- 250 g creamy cottage cheese
- 100 g sugar
- Vanilla extract (or natural vanilla, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 egg yolk for brushing the pastry
- Fresh fruits (peaches, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, or any of your favorites)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the molds:
Start by preparing the muffin molds. These will hold all the delicious treats you are about to create. Place the molds on a baking tray for easy access when filling the cups.

2. Cutting the pastry:
Use a sheet of parchment paper to cut squares about 10x10 cm from the puff pastry. These squares will form the base of the cups. Place each pastry square into the muffin molds, ensuring the edges rise up as they will be filled with the cheese cream.

3. Making the cheese cream:
In a large bowl, combine the creamy cottage cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest powder. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add the egg and the two yolks, mixing again to incorporate all the ingredients. The cream should be smooth and easy to pour into the cups.

4. Filling the cups:
Using a spoon, place two tablespoons of the cheese cream into each puff pastry cup. Then, add the cut fruits on top. You can use seasonal fruits or your favorites, and the combinations are endless! For example, a mix of raspberries and peaches will add a refreshing and tangy note.

5. Brushing the pastry:
Beat one egg yolk and use it to brush the edges of the pastry. This will give the cups a golden and appetizing appearance when baked.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cups turn golden and fluffy. Check occasionally, as every oven may bake differently.

7. Finishing:
Once the cups are ready, carefully remove them from the parchment paper and place them on a serving platter. Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.

Serving:
These puff pastry cups are excellent both warm and at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch or serve them with a vanilla or chocolate sauce for an extra burst of flavor. They pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the puff pastry is well chilled before use; it will perform better during baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, to achieve a different texture and flavor.
- If you want to add a splash of alcohol, a teaspoon of orange liqueur in the cream will enhance the flavors.

Nutritional information:
One serving (1 cup) has approximately 200 calories, 10 g of fat, 25 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of protein. These cups are a good source of calcium from the cheese, while the fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.
- How can I store the cups? Keep the cups in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat them slightly before serving to restore their freshness.
- What other fruits can I use? Any berries, apples, pears, or even caramelized bananas can be used to add a personal touch to the cups.

These puff pastry cups are not only delicious but also fun to make! Invite family or friends to join in the cooking and turn this moment into a pleasant memory. Cooking is an art that improves with each attempt, so don’t hesitate to experiment and add your own creative touches. Enjoy your meal!