These delicate pastry bites are crisp on the outside, cloud-soft in the middle, and filled with a silky mascarpone cream. A spoonful of bright berry compote on top gives them that perfect sweet-tart finish, making each bite feel bakery-level without being fussy.

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• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
• How to Make This Recipe
• Tips & Variations
• Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crisp, golden pastry with a light, airy center
• Mascarpone cream tastes rich but still fluffy
• Berry compote adds a fresh, bright contrast
• Perfect for parties, holidays, and dessert platters
• Easy to prep in parts (puffs + compote + filling)

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom.

For the Pastry Puffs

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Salt

For the Cream Filling

• Mascarpone or cream cheese
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest (optional)

For the Berry Compote

• Mixed berries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice

Optional Finishes

• Melted white chocolate
• Chopped nuts or sprinkles
• Powdered sugar

How to Make This Recipe

This is a simple overview. The full, detailed steps are in the recipe card below.

1. Make a quick choux-style dough, then bake until puffed and golden.
2. Simmer berries with sugar and lemon to create a thick, glossy compote.
3. Whip a mascarpone cream filling until light and smooth.
4. Fill each puff, top with berry compote, then finish with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t open the oven early: Opening too soon can make the puffs collapse.
• Cool completely before filling: Warm puffs will melt the cream.
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake puffs and cook compote a day ahead; fill before serving.
• Swap the fruit: Try strawberries only, blueberries only, or even cherry compote.
• Extra fancy finish: Dip tops in white chocolate and let set before serving.

Cream & Berry Pastry Bites

Prep Time: 25 minutes  |  Cook Time: 25 minutes  |  Total Time: 50 minutes  |  Servings: About 18–22 bites

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling

• 1 cup mascarpone (or cream cheese)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Berry Compote

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Toppings

• Melted white chocolate (for dipping)
• Chopped nuts or sprinkles
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Pastry Puffs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a rolling boil.
3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the pan.
4. Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for a few minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, until dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Spoon or pipe small mounds onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely before filling.

Make the Berry Compote

1. In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
3. Cool completely.

Make the Cream Filling

1. Beat mascarpone (or cream cheese) with powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.

Assemble

1. Slice each puff in half and pipe or spoon cream inside.
2. Add a small spoonful of berry compote on top.
3. If desired, dip tops in white chocolate, add toppings, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Best served the same day once filled for the crispiest pastry.
• Store filled bites in the fridge for up to 24 hours (they will soften slightly).