Puff pastry diamonds with cheese and fruits

Puff Pastry Diamonds with Cheese and Fruits

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste, you've found the perfect recipe. These puff pastry diamonds with cheese and fruits are not only a delight but also an ideal choice for moments when you have guests or want to treat yourself to something sweet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 8 diamonds

Ingredients

- 1 sheet of puff pastry (approximately 250 g)
- 250 g creamy cheese (like mascarpone or ricotta)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (or more, depending on preference)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 handful of fresh blueberries (or other fruits of your choice)

Recipe History

Puff pastry is a type of dough that has been used for centuries in various cultures to create sweet and savory delights. This simple diamond recipe is a reinterpretation of a classic dish that brings together the crunchy texture of puff pastry with creamy filling and fresh fruits. It's a combination that has won the hearts of many and continues to be a favorite in kitchens around the world.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Remove the puff pastry sheet from the freezer and let it thaw. In a bowl, mix the creamy cheese with the sugar and vanilla sugar. If you like sweeter desserts, feel free to add a little more sugar or your preferred sweetener.

2. Cutting the dough: Once the pastry sheet is thawed, place it on a flat surface. Cut the dough into squares of approximately 10x10 cm. Don't worry if they're not perfect! You can opt for rectangular shapes and it will still be delicious.

3. Creating the diamonds: On each corner of the cut squares, cut a strip of about 1 cm, without reaching the middle of the dough. These cuts will allow the edges to overlap during baking, creating the characteristic diamond shape.

4. Filling: Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each square. Add a few blueberries on top. If using other fruits, make sure they are cut into small pieces for even baking.

5. Forming the diamonds: Fold the cut corners over the filling, forming a diamond shape. Make sure they are well sealed so that the cheese doesn't leak during baking.

6. Baking: Place the diamonds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy at the edges.

7. Serving: Once they have cooled slightly, you can dust the diamonds with powdered sugar for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical tips

- Seasonal fruits: You can experiment with different fruits, such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches. Choose fresh fruits, but cut into small pieces to bake evenly.
- Savory version: If you prefer, you can replace the sugar with herbs and salty cheese (e.g., feta cheese) for a savory version.
- Serving: These diamonds are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can accompany them with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an even more decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Creamy cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, while fruits provide vitamins and antioxidants. This dessert is ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without being too heavy, having around 180 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry?: Yes, but the texture will be different. Puff pastry will provide a much more enjoyable crispiness.
- How can I store the diamonds?: It’s best to consume them fresh, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Can I freeze the diamonds?: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked diamonds. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. After they have hardened, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

In conclusion, puff pastry diamonds with cheese and fruits are a dessert that combines simplicity with elegance, perfect for any occasion. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also extremely versatile. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let the magic of cooking take over! Enjoy!