Light, flaky, creamy, jammy—let’s turn it into a clear, detailed, step-by-step recipe like before.

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Puff Pastry Cream and Jam Cake

This is an easy, elegant dessert made by layering baked puff pastry with vanilla cream and fruit jam. No complicated baking skills required.

Servings

6–8 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (recommended)

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Ingredients

Puff Pastry Layers

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

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Cream Filling

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for a thicker, cheesecake-style cream)

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Jam Layer

• ½–¾ cup fruit jam or preserves
  (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry work best)

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Step-by-Step Directions

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STEP 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Unfold pastry
   Unfold thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface.

3. Dock the pastry
   Using a fork, poke holes all over the pastry (this keeps it from puffing too much).

4. Bake
   Place pastry on prepared baking sheets.
   Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

5. Cool completely
   Remove from oven and allow pastry to cool completely.
   Once cooled, trim edges if needed for neat layers.

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STEP 2: Make the Cream Filling

1. Whip cream
   In a cold mixing bowl, add heavy cream and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.

2. Sweeten and flavor
   Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

3. Optional thicker cream
   If using cream cheese, beat it separately until smooth, then gently fold into whipped cream.

4. Chill
   Refrigerate cream until ready to assemble.

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STEP 3: Prepare the Jam

1. Loosen jam (if thick)
   If jam is very thick, warm it slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) and stir until spreadable.

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STEP 4: Assemble the Cake

1. First layer
   Place one puff pastry sheet on a serving plate.

2. Cream layer
   Spread half of the cream evenly over the pastry.

3. Jam layer
   Spoon and gently spread jam over the cream.

4. Second pastry layer
   Place the second puff pastry sheet on top.

5. Final cream layer
   Spread remaining cream on top.

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STEP 5: Chill and Finish

1. Chill
   Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to help layers set.

2. Dust with sugar
   Before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.

3. Slice carefully
   Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to keep layers neat.

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Tips for Best Results

• For clean slices, chill longer (2–3 hours).

• Add fresh berries on top for a bakery-style look.

• Apricot jam gives a classic European flavor.

• Want crunch? Sprinkle toasted almonds between layers.