Cream & Jam Holiday Puff Pastry Tree

This cream and jam holiday puff pastry tree is the ultimate festive treat with layers of flaky pastry embracing sweet cream and fruity jam. It’s the kind of dessert that brings a cozy, celebratory feel to any gathering. Every bite is crisp on the outside and soft with a luscious surprise inside, making it a joy to serve and share.

I first made this when my kids were young, and seeing their eyes light up as they watched me stack the trees is a memory I cherish every winter.

Ingredients

• Two sheets of puff pastry: look for all butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness
• Half a cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese: heavy cream whips up light and airy while mascarpone offers a richer texture
• Quarter cup of raspberry or strawberry jam: choose seedless for smooth spreading and bright flavor
• One egg: for brushing and achieving that golden, shiny finish
• One tablespoon of water: mixed with the egg to help it spread evenly
• Sesame seeds: add a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal
• Fresh parsley or mint finely chopped: brings a fresh herbal note and bright green color
• Wooden skewers: to assemble the layers into a festive tree shape
• Powdered sugar for dusting: optional but perfect for a snowy effect

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and let it reach temperature. This ensures the puff pastry puffs beautifully and crisps evenly.

Roll and cut the puff pastry:

Gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to even out thickness. Cut into four star sizes: large about 3.5 to 4 inches, medium 3 inches, small 2 inches, and very small about 1 to 1.5 inches. You’ll want four stars per tree layered in descending size.

Assemble the sandwiches:

On each large star place a thin layer of cream followed by a small dollop of jam in the center, then top with the matching sized star. Repeat for medium, small, and very small stars.

Egg wash and seeds:

Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush each sandwich layer thoroughly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for texture and that golden look when baked.

Bake:

Place the prepared star sandwiches on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for puffing up and a deep golden color as your cue that they are ready.

Cool and stack:

Allow the pastries to cool slightly to handle, then thread them onto wooden skewers starting with the largest star at the bottom and stacking progressively smaller stars up to the top.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or mint over the top layers for a festive green finish. Dust with powdered sugar if you like that extra holiday sparkle.

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Storage Tips

Store any assembled trees loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to one day to keep the cream fresh. The pastry is best eaten the same day but leftovers can be kept separately and gently reheated in a low oven if desired. Keep the jam and cream layers from sogging by assembling just before serving if possible.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can substitute mascarpone but will change the texture slightly. Apricot or blackberry jam can be used here for a different fruity twist. You can sprinkle poppy seeds or finely chopped nuts instead of sesame seeds to vary flavor and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a cup of hot tea or coffee for holiday brunch or dessert. They look lovely arranged on a platter with extra fresh herbs scattered around for garnish. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a side of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Cultural and Historical Context

Puff pastry has been a decadent favorite in European baking for centuries, known for its wonderfully flaky layers. This recipe riffs on classic French mille feuille by transforming it into a festive holiday centerpiece. The layering of cream and jam recalls traditional European tarts, while the tree shape ties perfectly into Christmas celebrations. It’s a fresh take on time honored ingredients brought to life in a playful, joyful way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cream works best for the filling?

Heavy cream or mascarpone cheese both provide a smooth and rich filling that complements the flaky pastry well.

→ Can I use different jams in this stack?

Yes, raspberry or strawberry jams add a nice balance of sweetness and slight tartness, but other berry jams work well too.

→ How do I achieve crispy, golden layers?

Brush each assembled pastry layer with an egg wash and bake until puffed and deep golden brown for that perfect crisp texture.

→ What is the purpose of threading the layers onto skewers?

Stacking the layers on wooden skewers creates a festive tree shape while keeping the layers securely together.

→ Can I decorate the tops of the pastry stacks?

Yes, sprinkling fresh parsley or mint and dusting with powdered sugar adds a fresh and festive touch.