Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberry(ies)
- 1 banana
- 4 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 4 ounces butter
- 8 ounces phyllo pastry
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- 8 ounces full cream
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
Recipe steps
Tip: tap step images to enlarge them if needed.
Step 1. Prepare the phyllo pastry15 minutes Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Melt the butter and set aside. Unroll the phyllo pastry carefully and cut it into rectangular pieces. I cut into 3 rectangular. Place the first two sheets on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush it lightly with melted butter, then continue with others. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow to cool fully before using. |
Step 2. Slice the fruit3 minutes Wash the strawberries. Remove stems and cut them into thin slices. Peel and slice the banana into thin pieces. Drizzle them with lemon juice. Set the fruit aside for assembly. |
Step 3. Whip the cream5 minutes In a large bowl, whip the full cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Do not over-whip; it should hold shape but still look soft. Set aside. |
Step 4. Mix the mascarpone filling5 minutes In another bowl, stir together mascarpone cheese, vanilla sugar, lime zest, and icing sugar. Fold in the whipped cream gently until smooth and airy. |
Step 5. Assemble the Napoleons5 minutes Add 2 tablespoons of cream to the bottom of the plate to help hold the dessert in place. Start with one piece of baked phyllo. Spread sliced strawberries and banana top with cream, then place another piece of phyllo on top. Repeat the process to create another layer. Finish with a final pastry layer. Drizzle the top with honey (maple syrup) if desired. |
Step 6. Serve3 minutes Serve immediately for best texture and presentation. The contrast between the crisp pastry and creamy filling is at its best right after assembly. |
About the Recipe + FAQ
This Strawberry Napoleons recipe is one of my favorite desserts that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cream and the crispness of phyllo pastry. It is perfect for summer gatherings!
Which season is this recipe best for?
Strawberry Napoleons are best enjoyed during the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season. However, they can be made year-round using quality strawberries available in your local market.
Where can I buy the ingredients for this recipe?
Look for fresh strawberries and bananas in the produce section, phyllo pastry in the frozen foods aisle, and mascarpone cheese in the dairy section. Specialty stores may offer higher-quality or organic options.
Can I substitute the ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! This dessert is flexible and allows for a few smart swaps depending on what you have on hand or prefer to use:
Mascarpone – you can substitute with cream cheese (for tangier flavor) or ricotta (lighter, grainier texture)
Phyllo pastry – can be replaced with puff pastry, rolled thin, and baked until crisp
Vanilla sugar – you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of vanilla paste
Full cream – it can be easy substituted with heavy cream or whipping cream (at least 30% fat) will work
Honey – for the sweetness, choose maple syrup or agave syrup
Strawberries and banana – try raspberries, blueberries, mango slices, or kiwi for variation
Can I make this recipe part of a menu?
Absolutely! This dessert is elegant but not heavy, making it an excellent finale for your party meal. Here’s a menu to inspire you:
For an appetizer – start with delicious Chorizo Asparagus Quiche,Mediterranean Shrimp Croquettes, or Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.
Serve my Mediterranean Breaded Beef Steaks as the main course, alongside fresh salads such as Cucumber Red Onion Salad, Garlic Tomato Salad, or any other sides.
For a dessert, you can serve Strawberry Napoleons served on individual plates with fresh strawberries or any other fruit. Feel free to add some caramel or any other topping.
Which drinks would you pair it with?
Strawberry Napoleons pair beautifully with sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne. If you like to serve it as part of a brunch, a rosé spritz or mimosa also works wonderfully.
For non-alcoholic options, iced herbal teas (especially hibiscus or mint), lemon sparkling water, or a lightly sweetened lemonade complement the dessert’s brightness.
How long can I store this recipe leftovers?
Once you assemble this gourmet dessert, it is best to eat right away as the phyllo pastry will soften quickly from the cream and fruit. If you want to make them ahead, store the components separately: keep the baked phyllo in an airtight container at room temperature, refrigerate the cream filling, and slice the fruit just before assembling. Fully assembled Strawberry Napoleons can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but they will lose crispness. But the flavor is very good!
Recipe tips & tricks
Here are some tips to make this recipe excellent:
- Work quickly with phyllo pastry and cover unused sheets with a clean, damp towel to prevent drying out
Chill the mascarpone cream before using – it holds better
Assemble just before serving to preserve the texture contrast
Enjoy this amazing Strawberry Napoleons recipe! So good!
2 comments Hide comments
I wonder where the napoleons part come from? Anyway, tried it – very satisfied. It is a bit of work, but the result is magnificent.
Thank you, Jenna! The “Napoleon” bit probably comes from the French word “Napolitain”, which means from Naples, Italy. Over time, “Napolitain” became “Napoleon” in French and English-speaking countries, so it’s more likely a case of linguistic evolution and culinary misinterpretation. But you can say it is a variation of the classic mille-feuille, although with a more summery and fruity twist.