Blueberry Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Lemon & Cinnamon Bake

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Blueberry Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Lemon & Cinnamon Bake

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dessert that’s impressive and easy. This blueberry puff pastry recipe is exactly that! I first made this for a summer potluck, and it was gone in minutes. The flaky pastry, sweet blueberries, and bright lemon flavor are just a winning combination. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to put together. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average blueberry dessert. The puff pastry gives it a delightful lightness and flakiness that’s just irresistible. The lemon and cinnamon beautifully complement the blueberries, creating a warm, comforting flavor. And honestly, it looks way more complicated than it is – perfect for when you want to wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen! It takes just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to bake, serving 6 people.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful blueberry pastries:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (about 150g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (14g)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (2.5ml)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (5ml)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (8g)
• 1 tbsp water (15ml)
• 2-3 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed) – about 250-300g total
• Lemon zest from ½ lemon

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

Blueberries (Fresh vs. Frozen)

You can absolutely use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, don’t thaw them beforehand – just toss them straight into the skillet. I often use frozen because they’re available year-round and just as delicious!

Puff Pastry – Choosing the Right Kind

All-butter puff pastry will give you the flakiest, most flavorful result. Look for brands that specifically state they use butter. Don’t stress too much though, any good quality puff pastry will work beautifully.

Cinnamon – Varieties and Flavor Profiles

I prefer Ceylon cinnamon (also known as “true cinnamon”) for its delicate, sweet flavor. But Cassia cinnamon is also perfectly fine – it has a bolder, more robust taste. Use what you have on hand!

Lemon Zest – Importance of Freshness

Fresh lemon zest is key here. It adds so much bright, aromatic flavor. Avoid using the white pith underneath the zest, as it can be bitter. A microplane zester works wonders for this!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect!) over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and stir until it’s golden and syrupy – this creates a lovely base for the blueberries.
3. Add the blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cinnamon to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the blueberries start to soften and release their juices.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Pour this into the blueberry mixture and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Now, gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles slightly larger than the ramekins you’re using.
6. Carefully press a pastry circle over each ramekin filled with the blueberry mixture, tucking the edges around the inside.
7. Pierce the pastry with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent the pastry from puffing up too much and becoming soggy.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and beautifully puffed.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the blueberries. Work in batches if necessary.
• If your puff pastry is sticking, lightly dust your work surface with flour.
• For extra golden pastry, brush the top with a little milk or egg wash before baking.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Blueberry Puff Pastry

Use a vegan puff pastry (many brands are available now!) and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Blueberry Puff Pastry (Alternative Pastries)

While traditional puff pastry isn’t gluten-free, you can use gluten-free puff pastry sheets. They might not puff up quite as much, but they’ll still be delicious!

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding a Pinch of Cardamom)

My friend Priya suggested adding a pinch of cardamom to the blueberry mixture, and it’s amazing! It adds a lovely warmth and complexity.

Festival Adaptations (Summer Solstice/Berry Festival)

I love making these for summer festivals. You can arrange the baked pastries in a beautiful pattern on a platter for a stunning centerpiece.

Serving Suggestions

These blueberry pastries are wonderful on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level. A dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh blueberries for garnish make them look extra special. Serve with a cup of chai for the perfect afternoon treat!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make these blueberry pastries ahead of time?

You can assemble the pastries ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Piercing the pastry with a fork is crucial! Also, make sure the blueberry filling isn’t too watery.

Can I use a different berry instead of blueberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend would all be delicious.

How do I know when the puff pastry is perfectly baked?

The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. It should also be crisp to the touch.

What can I substitute for lemon juice if I don’t have any?

Lime juice works well as a substitute, or a splash of white wine vinegar.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delightful blueberry puff pastries. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day!