If cheerful bursts of color and juicy berry flavor are your idea of the perfect summer dessert, these Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries will absolutely delight you! Flaky, golden puff pastry forms the base for creamy-sweet filling, luscious strawberry jam, and a medley of fresh berries in all the right hues. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a joyful treat, these pastries are easy to make and instantly elevate any table with their bright festive vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries so addictive? It’s the magic of simple, classic ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the buttery flakiness of puff pastry or the fresh tang of summer berries—creating a dessert that’s both easy and stunning.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Delivers that irresistible golden, flaky texture essential to every great pastry.
- Cream cheese (softened): Forms the luscious creamy layer that ties all the fruity flavors together.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese just enough to feel decadent without being overwhelming.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle mellow warmth that rounds out the filling beautifully.
- Strawberry jam: Adds a bright, fruity punch—use a good-quality jam for the best flavor.
- Fresh blueberries: Provide those bold blue pops of color and a juicy, tart bite.
- Diced strawberries: Not just for color, fresh strawberries add freshness and a slightly tangy-sweet taste.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Helps the pastry edges shine and brown to that perfect golden crisp.
- Optional coarse sugar for sprinkling: Gives a sweet sparkle and a delicate crunch on the browned edges.
How to Make Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s perfectly hot by the time your pastries are ready for baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this guarantees the pastries won’t stick and makes cleanup way easier.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unzip your puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out just until smooth. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet into six equal rectangles. Now, with the tip of your knife, carefully score a ½-inch border around each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Prick the centers with a fork; this helps the edges puff up while keeping the middle nicely flat for your toppings.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and homogenous. This mixture becomes your dreamy base—rich and just sweet enough to highlight those summer berries without stealing the show.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
Dollop about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle and gently spread it within the scored border. Add a teaspoon of strawberry jam over the cream cheese, then scatter fresh blueberries and diced strawberries evenly over the top. The contrast of colors makes these truly feel like Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries—so don’t be shy with your berry arrangement!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg for that tempting, glossy finish. If you love a little sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar along the borders. This step makes a wild difference for both looks and texture!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the pastries for 15–18 minutes, watching as they puff up and turn golden brown. The filling will bubble and the berries will look shiny and irresistible. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—waiting is the hardest part, but your taste buds will thank you.
How to Serve Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries
Garnishes
Want your Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries to look even more spectacular? Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or add a few extra fresh berries for maximum wow factor. A small dollop of whipped cream makes an irresistible crowning touch for any dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair these pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or offer alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a refreshing summer spread. For a brunch-style vibe, serve with a carafe of berry lemonade or a pot of fragrant herbal tea—balance is everything!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your pastries on a wooden board with little American flag picks for a truly patriotic display, or place each on individual dessert plates with zig-zags of fruit coulis. For an extra fun touch, serve them on a bed of edible flowers or colorful napkins that play up the red, white, and blue theme even more. These pastries shine at picnics, BBQs, and festive brunches—go wild with your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Once completely cool, wrap individual pastries in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries freeze well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to bring back their texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy these pastries warm again, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. Skip the microwave—it can make them soggy. Instead, the oven gently revives that perfect flaky crunch you love!
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you use frozen berries, try to thaw and drain them well first to avoid extra moisture making the pastry soggy. The flavor will still be fantastic.
Can I make the cream cheese filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla the night before. Store covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before assembling your Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
You can substitute vegan puff pastry, dairy-free cream cheese, and a plant-based egg wash (like oat milk or almond milk) for a fully vegan take on these festive desserts.
What if I don’t have strawberry jam?
No problem at all! Raspberry jam or even blueberry preserves work beautifully. They’ll still deliver that colorful, fruity punch the recipe is known for.
Can I make mini versions for parties?
Definitely! Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or rectangles and adjust the toppings and bake time (shorten by a few minutes). Mini Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries are an adorable hit at any gathering!
Final Thoughts
Few treats capture the spirit of a celebration quite like Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries. With vibrant berries, creamy filling, and crisp pastry all in every bite, each one feels like a tiny holiday. Give these a try the next time you want to dazzle guests or simply treat yourself—you might discover a new favorite tradition!
PrintPatriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries Recipe
Celebrate patriotism with these delicious Patriotic Red, White and Blue Pastries. These easy-to-make pastries are perfect for a festive touch at any gathering, especially on holidays like the 4th of July.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup diced strawberries
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Puff Pastry:
Cream Cheese Mixture:
Filling:
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, cut into rectangles, and score a border. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture on each rectangle.
- Add Fillings: Add strawberry jam, blueberries, and diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Brush edges with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar if desired, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm or at room temperature.
- Store-bought whipped cream cheese and raspberry jam can be used as alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg