Is it okay to swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones?

Definitely! Just defrost the frozen berries first and drain off the liquid before making the topping. For the sliced strawberries in the final assembly, fresh ones are better for that nice texture and look.

How much can I prep ahead?

The best way to serve these is freshly put together, but you can get most of the work done earlier. Bake and store the pastry in an airtight container for a day, keep the topping in the fridge for up to a week, and refrigerate the cream mixture for two days.

Why didn’t my pastry puff up?

The key is keeping the pastry cold before baking. If it gets too soft while you work on it, the buttery layers might stick together. Next time, toss the dough back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if needed.

Can I try this with other fruits?

For sure! Swap in raspberries, blueberries, a mix of berries, or even peaches. If you're using stone fruits like peaches, you might need to cook the topping a bit longer so it thickens up nicely.

What’s the best way to keep leftovers?

These are tastiest right after making them since puff pastry can go soft if it sits too long with fillings. If needed, stash leftovers in the fridge for up to a day, but know they won't crisp up again. You can also store components separately if you're prepping ahead.

Can I make these bite-sized for parties?

Totally! Cut the pastry into smaller squares before baking to make mini versions. Bake them for 8–12 minutes, then assemble with tinier portions of filling. Perfect for a no-fuss, grab-and-go treat!

Delightful Strawberry Flaky Bites

Category: Quick Bites for Every Gathering

Bake puff pastry squares, create a strawberry topping and cream cheese layer, slice pastries, stack with filling and strawberries, dust with sugar, and enjoy.

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By Ana

Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:25 GMT

Flaky Strawberry Bites | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is it okay to swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones?: Definitely! Just defrost the frozen berries first and drain off the liquid before making the topping. For the sliced strawberries in the final assembly, fresh ones are better for that nice texture and look.
→ How much can I prep ahead?: The best way to serve these is freshly put together, but you can get most of the work done earlier. Bake and store the pastry in an airtight container for a day, keep the topping in the fridge for up to a week, and refrigerate the cream mixture for two days.
→ Why didn’t my pastry puff up?: The key is keeping the pastry cold before baking. If it gets too soft while you work on it, the buttery layers might stick together. Next time, toss the dough back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes if needed.
→ Can I try this with other fruits?: For sure! Swap in raspberries, blueberries, a mix of berries, or even peaches. If you're using stone fruits like peaches, you might need to cook the topping a bit longer so it thickens up nicely.
→ What’s the best way to keep leftovers?: These are tastiest right after making them since puff pastry can go soft if it sits too long with fillings. If needed, stash leftovers in the fridge for up to a day, but know they won't crisp up again. You can also store components separately if you're prepping ahead.
→ Can I make these bite-sized for parties?: Totally! Cut the pastry into smaller squares before baking to make mini versions. Bake them for 8–12 minutes, then assemble with tinier portions of filling. Perfect for a no-fuss, grab-and-go treat!

Flaky Strawberry Bites

Crisp layers of puff pastry hold a smooth cream cheese filling, fresh strawberry slices, and a homemade berry topping. They’re fun, fancy, and sneakily simple!

Prep Time

20 min

Cooking Time

15 min

Total Time

35 min

By: Ana

Category: Snacks & Appetizers

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 6 Servings (6 pastries)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Pastry Essentials

01 1 store-bought sheet of puff pastry

→ Strawberry Sauce

02 1 cup of sliced strawberries

03 1/4 cup sugar

04 1/4 cup lemon juice

→ Creamy Filling

05 8 oz cream cheese

06 1/3 cup of sugar

07 1/2 cup of heavy cream

08 2 tsp vanilla extract

09 1/4 to 1/2 tsp almond extract

→ Decoration and Assembly

10 Extra fresh strawberries, sliced

11 Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get a cookie sheet ready with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.

Step 02

Divide the puff pastry into 6 equal rectangles. Lay them on the prepped tray, then bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden and puffed up.

Step 03

While the pastry bakes, put sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat on medium to soften the fruits. Mash them up with a fork or masher, then lower the heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.

Step 04

Combine cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl using a mixer until smooth (1-2 minutes). Pour in the heavy cream and mix again till fluffy (around 1-2 minutes). Add almond and vanilla extracts, then mix for another minute.

Step 05

Once the pastry cools, slice them in half horizontally. Spread the cream mixture on the bottom half, add fresh strawberry slices, and top with a spoonful of the strawberry sauce. Cover with the top half of the puff.

Step 06

Use a sieve to dust powdered sugar on top. Serve right away and enjoy every bite.

Notes

These flaky strawberry treats take after the 1980s dessert Pick-Em-Ups by Drake's.
To get the best texture, keep your puff pastry chilled while working with it. If it warms up, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
You can make the strawberry compote in advance. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days.
If you're in a rush, swap out the homemade compote for pre-made strawberry jam.