Blueberry Lemon Napoleon

Blueberry Lemon Napoleon is a three-layered treat made with puff pastry sheets, homemade blueberry filling, stabilized whipped cream, and lemon curd. Then, the elegant desserts are sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative touch. This flavor combination will knock your socks off! I also have an Easy Strawberry Napoleon dessert if you prefer strawberries.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Blueberry Filling: For the best results when making the filling, use fresh blueberries. If you only have frozen, you could use those that have been thawed for the filling. However, if using frozen, use all of them in the filling without reserving any to fold in when cooled.

Puff Pastry: You will need two sheets of store-bought puff pastries, thawed according to package instructions. I also have a great recipe for a homemade Puff Pastry if preferred. Just leave out the cinnamon when making it for this recipe.

Egg Wash: I used a mixture of milk and egg as an egg wash to give the pastries a nice, golden-brown color. If you don’t have milk, you can use water instead.

Stabilized Whipped Cream: It is recommended to use stabilized whipped cream when layering blueberry lemon napoleons. It will hold its shape better and stay ‘stabilized’ (which is the point). If you only have regular whipped cream, the desserts should be served immediately, before the whipped cream deflates. Storebought whipped topping (cool whip) could also work.

Lemon Curd: Lemon Curd is a tart and lemony spread, filling, or topping. It has a thick and creamy consistency like a jam or marmalade. I recommend making homemade lemon curd (the color and flavor are so much more vibrant than storebought), but you could also buy it at the store. Look for lemon curd in the jam or jelly aisle of your local grocery store.

What are the Differences Between Stabilized Whipped Cream, Regular Whipped Cream, and Cool Whip?

Who knew there were so many variations of whipped cream out there? Each one has a purpose when it comes to desserts, but what are the differences?

• Stabilized Whipped Cream: Stabilized whipped cream has a stabilizing ingredient, like cream cheese or gelatin (I used cream cheese in my recipe), that helps it hold its shape and prevents it from breaking down or deflating over time. This makes it ideal for use in multi-layered desserts like this one and for piping decorative designs.
• Whipped Cream: Regular whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. While it’s perfect for topping pies, cakes, and other desserts, it lacks stabilizing ingredients, so it can quickly lose its texture and deflate. So, if using regular whipped cream in this dessert, it’s important to show it off right away before the whipped cream loses its shape. (It will still be delicious, though!)
• Cool Whip: We all know about the tubs of cool whip you can buy at the store. It will stand up better than homemade whipped cream in layered desserts, but it is loaded with high fructose corn syrup and preservatives that you may not want to consume.

Can I Make Blueberry Lemon Napoleon Ahead of Time?

Sure! This dessert can be made in advance for your convenience. First, the puff pastries can be cut and baked ahead of time. Then, freeze them until ready to assemble the dessert. Another way to get a head start on this treat is to make the blueberry filling, stabilized whipped cream, and lemon curd (if made homemade) ahead of time. After you have made the blueberry filling, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The whipped cream will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator, while the curd will last up to 2 weeks.

Can I Cut the Puff Pastries into Different Shapes?

Yes! Depending on the holiday or celebration, it’s easy to customize the puff pastries to your desired shapes. For instance, with Easter right around the corner, use a bunny or egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut the puff pastry sheets.

However, keep in mind that the baking time will vary depending on the size of the shapes. The smaller shapes only take about 10 minutes, as opposed to the 13-14 minutes for the rectangles. So, keep a close eye on them.

How to Store Blueberry Lemon Napoleon

Once assembled, Blueberry Lemon Napoleon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days by covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent the pastry from drying out and keep the filling fresh. To maintain the texture of the puff pastry, it is recommended to not refrigerate it for too long. When ready to serve, you can remove the Napoleon from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.