These Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars are a yummy treat to start your day! With flaky pastry filled with sweet fruits or creamy cheese, they are super simple and oh-so-delicious.
In just a few minutes, you can whip up these tasty bars. I love to enjoy them with my morning coffee when I need a little pick-me-up. They just make waking up so much sweeter! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is a lifesaver here! If you can’t find it, you could make a simple flaky pastry dough, but it’s way more time-consuming. I love the convenience of store-bought pastry on busy mornings!
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy richness. You could substitute with ricotta for a lighter option, or even mascarpone for a slightly sweeter taste. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give a wonderful flavor, but feel free to swap them with other fruits. Blueberries, diced apples, or even peaches work well too. Use what’s in season or what you have on hand!
Chopped Nuts: Pecans and walnuts are optional but add a delightful crunch. If you want to keep it nut-free, simply omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for some extra texture.
How Do You Get the Puff Pastry Just Right?
Getting that perfect puff in your pastry takes just a little care! Here’s how you can ensure it puffs beautifully:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use. If it’s too warm, it won’t puff up well!
- Be gentle when rolling it out to maintain the layers intact. You want to keep those air pockets!
- Don’t skip the egg wash. This helps achieve a lovely golden color and shiny finish.
- Make sure to bake at the right temperature, and avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes.
With these tips, your Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars will turn out golden and flaky every time! Enjoy making your breakfast treats! 🍓🥐
Breakfast Puff Pastry Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-8 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and 18-22 minutes of baking time. Plus, let’s add a little cooling time, so you can whip these up in about 40 minutes total! Quick and easy for a delicious breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your pastry doesn’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 9 x 12 inches—this will be the base of your bars!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy layer is going to add so much flavor!
4. Spread and Layer:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about 1 inch of pastry border all around. Then, arrange your sliced strawberries over the cream cheese. Yum!
5. Add Some Sweetness:
In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if you want a little crunch). Sprinkle this delicious mixture generously over the strawberries for an extra layer of flavor!
6. Fold and Brush:
Now it’s time to fold! Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to form a border—this helps to keep the yummy filling inside. Then, brush the exposed edges with the beaten egg; this gives it a lovely golden color when baked.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your assembled pastry in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Enjoy the glorious smell wafting through your kitchen!
8. Cool and Dust:
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bars cool slightly. Just a few minutes will do! Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that sweet, finishing touch.
Enjoy these flaky, creamy, and fruity breakfast bars warm or at room temperature! They’re perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings! 😊
Can I Use Different Fruits in These Bars?
Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, you can easily substitute them with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. Just be mindful that juicier fruits might create more moisture, so adjust baking time if needed!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain that fresh, flaky texture.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the bars in advance, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them on the day you plan to serve for the best puff!
What If My Puff Pastry Doesn’t Puff Up?
If your pastry doesn’t puff up as much as expected, check that it was kept cold while handling and that your oven is fully preheated. High temperatures help the pastry rise beautifully, so make sure to avoid opening the oven door during baking!
