Puff Pastry Baskets with Creamy Lemon Filling
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Puff Pastry Baskets with Creamy Lemon Filling are the perfect way to welcome in Spring, They are perfect for a sunny brunch or Easter dinner. They’re also a great activity for the kiddos to help with!
These cheery puff pastry baskets just remind me of sunshine. The sweet tartness of the lemon filling is a great contrast to the cold sweet whipped cream.
Delicious pastry baskets are filled with lemon pudding and topped with a creamy dollop of Reddi-wip® and a fresh raspberry to finish the whole thing. Two puff pastry sheets make 12 puff pastry dessert baskets.
They’re easy and fun to make and you are going to love how they turn out!
This post has been updated from 2017 with some great ideas on making and filing these adorable Puff Pastry Baskets.
Once the days start getting a little longer, you know Spring is just around the corner. My thoughts start turning to clean up the yard, new flowers, and plants, hosting my friends for a sunny brunch, or hosting my family for Easter dinner. Puff Pastry Baskets with Creamy Lemon Filling are perfect for either.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Puff Pastry Shells
Recipes using puff pastry are a lot of fun. I’ve had this idea of making it into braids so that it looks like cute little woven baskets for some time.
Sometimes my ideas just turn into a big ole mess that made me wonder what in the heck were you thinking? But other times they just make me want to do a happy dance. These puff pastry dessert baskets are definitely worth doing a little jig.
This post was originally compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and ConAgra Brands. All opinions are mine alone.
Brunch-ready. Whether you make this exact recipe or use one of the variations we recommend, these puff pastry baskets are perfect for your next brunch. They are incredibly simple to make with puff pastry dough but look amazing.
Customizable. If you have a specific theme or holiday and you need food to match, customize the puff pastry baskets according to the theme! Use these ideas for variations as a springboard, but really the possibilities are endless.
Elegant enough to go formal. This puff pastry basket recipe is an elegant, polished dessert that works perfectly for a bridal shower or formal event where the food on display needs to be gorgeous and delicious at the same time.
Equipment Needed to Make a Pastry Basket
12-cup muffin pan – I love these muffin pans and have three of them so I can get them all filled and baked at once. They’re great for egg cups too!
Clear ruler. This will allow you to measure 1/2″ strips of dough.
Ingredients for your Puff Pastry Baskets
Puff Pastry. I used two sheets of pre-made Pepperidge Farms puff pastry.
Reddi-wip® 13oz can is so convenient but any whipped cream will work.
Lemon Pudding. Get the cook and serve kind for best results.
Egg. You will use this mixed with water for an egg wash.
Raspberries. Fresh
How To Make Puff Pastry Baskets
Don’t you think that the kiddos would love topping their own lemony pudding baskets with a mound of whipped cream? That’s always been a dream of mine too! Didn’t you envision being the boss of your own can when you were growing up? I know I wasn’t the only one!
I highly recommend letting your kids help make and assemble the puff pastry baskets for a fun activity. And say yes to the can of whipped cream!
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Make sure to follow the printable recipe card at the end of this post for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Step One. Unwrap and roll out the puff pastry sheet, measure, and cut 1/2″ strips.
Step Two. Braid the strips of dough following the illustration above.
Step Three. Line the muffin tin with a circle for the bottom and a length of the braid for the sides. I used a biscuit cutter for the circle but any round shape such as a glass or cup will work.
Step Four. Bake the homemade puff pastry shells. Allow time for them to cool.
Step Five. Fill and serve!
Puff Pastry Creamy Filling Variations
- Use your favorite pudding or pie filling. Canned is quick and easy.
- Jam or jellies.
- Nutella
- Sprinkles on top would be fun and festive too.
What to Serve with Puff Pastry Baskets
- Use these beautiful baskets at your table as a place setter.
- Add fruit
- Add a marshmallow peep or easter egg jelly beans at Easter
- Fill with candy corn for a fall gathering or Thanksgiving.
How to Keep Leftover Puff Pastry Baskets
Best Way to Store Pastry Baskets
If you happen to have leftover pastry baskets you can place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Puff Pastry Baskets Last in the Fridge?
Filled pastry baskets will last for two or three days until the whipped cream or pudding become weepy or droopy. I recommend adding the whipped cream right before serving for this reason.
Can I freeze Homemade Puff Pastry Shells?
Yes. You can freeze them unfilled in an airtight container for up to five months. Thaw and fill when ready.
Pastry Basket FAQ
Yes. You have a couple of options here. You can bake the homemade puff pastry shells ahead of time, and fill them on the day of the event.
Or you can make and fill the pastry baskets the day before your event and refrigerate them in an airtight container until you are ready to fill your party trays. Don’t add the whipped topping until you’re ready to serve or display them.
Yes. You can make your own pastry cups if that is your thing, but I find that the store-bought puff pastry dough is so much easier!
Tips to Make the Perfect Puff Pastry Baskets
- I prefer using the cook and serve pudding. It’s a little firmer and I believe a little more tart than the instant pudding.
- You can buy Pepperidge Farm’s puff pastry shells instead of making these baskets but I think the baskets are a little fancier and a heck of a lot of fun to make. The kiddos will love helping!
- You can line the muffin tin inserts with puff pastry circles large enough to fill the cup instead of weaving strips if you want to simplify the process. You’ll be missing out on all the fun though!
- Make sure your filling doesn’t contain a lot of juice or moisture which will make your baskets soggy.
If you liked this recipe, I think you’ll enjoy these too
- How To Make Basket Weave Cupcakes with Bird Nests
- Easy Cherry Turnovers with Puff Pastry
- Blueberry Puff Pastry Rolls Recipe
- Aussie Lamb Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust
- Dark Chocolate Puff Pastry Hand Pies
- How to Make a Basket Weave Cake
Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Puff Pastry Baskets Turned Out!
Puff Pastry Baskets with Creamy Lemon Filling
Ingredients
- 17 oz Puff Pastry (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farms
- 12 tbsp Reddi-wip® 13oz can
- 4.3 oz Lemon Pudding Cook and serve
- 1 egg
- 12 raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare pudding according to package directions. Set aside to cool
- Dust a working surface with flour. Unwrap puff pastry sheets and roll sheets until they measure 13-14 inches long. Measure out 1/2″ strips across the length of the pastry sheet and cut into strips. On the second sheet, cut circles the size of the muffin tin cavities.
- Whip egg with a teaspoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Separate three strips for each braid. Holding one edge of 3 separate strips, begin braiding, holding gently to the end. When finished brush with egg wash and cut each strip in half.
- Brush circles with egg wash and place them on the bottom of each muffin cavity.
- Wrap a braid around the inside of each muffin cup. Line up and press the edges together.
- Brush the inside of each puff pastry basket with egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until sightly browned. Allow the baskets to cool completely before filling.
- Spoon filling into each puff pastry basket. Add a dollop of Reddi-Wip® and top with a raspberry if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
These were so fun and easy to make! I can’t resist these individually sized desserts and the puff pastry is the perfect quick fix!
Thank you, Amy!
These were the hit of the party last weekend! I made these, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make, and everyone oooh and ahhh over them right before they gobbled them all up! I need to put these on my Easter menu pronto!
We love them too. Thank you!
This is the PERFECT springtime dessert, and I know my family is going to love this when I make them later this year! We taste tested this past weekend for fun, and unsurprisingly, they were DELICIOUS! The perfect sweet-tart dessert.
Thank you, Erin! This one is so easy and the kiddos love it!
These are so delicious and will be perfect for a shower I will be giving soon!
That’s the perfect idea. Easter too!
Julie, I love the simplicity and yet elegance of these puff pastry cups. Perfect filled with all sorts of yummy things!
Thank you, Kathleen!
Your idea of woven baskets filled with lemony pudding is definitely worth repeating…it is a perfect bite of something sweet for an Easter brunch.
Thank you, Karen! Anything other that BROWN makes me happy these days.
Wow!!!!! nice recipe. I love Puff Pastry. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Thank you Jahan for stopping by and your nice comment!
I love what you did your pastry. So cute! These are so delicious, Julie!
Thank you, Jhuls! They were so much fun and not much work at all. The kiddos could stuff them with anything.
Super easy is right! Beautiful, bright pictures make me think of Spring. Of course I wanted to take a spoon and dip into that yummy dessert but alas…
Thank you Judi! A couple of nice days and I’m ready to dig into the dirt. A bit pre-mature, but hey happy Spring!
I love lemon flavored anything and these look amazing. Your pictures are beautiful, I can almost taste them! Pinning to try later!
PS I found you via Reviews Chews and How-To’s Link Party, but I recently started a party of my own, I would love it if you’d stop by and link up! Have a great weekend!
https://www.mybusybeehives.com/2017/03/rainbows-and-shamrocks-at-bee-party-4.html
Thank you from one Julie to another! this was the first time that I visited that link party and really appreciate you reaching out. I’ll check out your link up as well.
Your pictures are gorgeous Julie! I love these little pastry baskets!
Thank you so much Antonia! I hope you have a fun St Patty’s day and a wonderful weekend!
Such a sweet, ‘springy’ dessert, Julie. I loved your video – I didn’t know you could make baskets out of pastry sheets! Neat!
Thank you so much, Indu! Videos are a lot of fun but I sure make a mess (more of a mess). These little baskets were a ton of fun to make and can be stuffed with anything. Thank you for stopping over and enjoy your day!
Those are beautiful Julie, I love lemon and this is a wonderful dessert
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Thank you so much, Suzanne! They were a lot of fun to make too.
I love such recipes Julie!! These looks so pretty and perfect to welcome the Spring!
Thank you, Sonal! I’m getting a little antsy for Spring!
Yessssss!!!! Bring on spring and lemon everything! 🙂 Love this recipe, looks fantastic!
Thank you, Annie! I’m anxiously waiting for Spring!
Yum!
Thank you Debbie! Are you all shoveled out?
Yes. Didn’t get half of what they predicted. I was a little disappointed, but got my snow day. Come one spring!
So clever Julie…..what a beautiful lil basket and oh so colorful with visions of spring dancing in my head! Love your video too, getting pretty good at those aren’t ya? 🙂 I love puff pastry too, it is so versatile to work with and the sky’s the limit when it comes to stuffing them whether it is sweet or savory.
Thank you Loretta! I am anxiously awaiting spring and all things flowers. Winter hasn’t been bad but lets just be done with it already!
Oh those look amazing! And so stinking cute to make a woven basket! I love this idea! Perfect for Easter Brunch! -Client
Thank you Amber! They are so much fun to make and can even be filled with jelly beans!