How to Make Napoleon Pastry Like a Bakery—with a Crispy Texture / Key Tips for Working with Puff Pastry So Good You’ll Never Buy It Again!

Wednesday, May 21, 2025  Read time1 min

Saed News: Napoleon pastry might look a bit complicated, but it’s actually very easy to make.

How to Make Napoleon Pastry Like a Bakery—with a Crispy Texture / Key Tips for Working with Puff Pastry So Good You’ll Never Buy It Again!

According to the Cooking Service of Saed News, the video you watched was selected from the Instagram page ashpazi.torki.irani and shared for your convenience.

Tips You Need to Know When Working with Puff Pastry:

  1. You should defrost the dough in the refrigerator either the night before or at least two hours in advance — not at room temperature. Leaving it out may cause the butter inside to melt. So always use the fridge to defrost and make sure it’s fully thawed with no ice left in the dough.

    Personally, I always leave it in the fridge overnight — that way I can be sure it’s ready.

  2. Preheat the oven properly to 220°C (428°F).

  3. Be sure to trim the edges of the dough just like in the video, so the hot air can reach it evenly and it puffs up properly. This is a very important step. You can even bake the trimmed-off sides.

  4. Don’t take too long between cutting the dough, placing it on the tray, and putting it in the oven. Work quickly — cut the dough, poke holes with a fork, place it on the baking tray, and immediately bake it.

    If you feel like you won’t be fast enough, place the tray with the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes beforehand, then transfer it directly from the fridge to the oven.


How to Make Napoleon Pastry

Napoleon pastry might look a bit tricky, but it’s actually very easy to make.

Be sure to let the puff pastry cool completely after baking.

I divided each pastry piece into three layers, but you can do just two. Just make sure to save a few of the top or bottom crispier layers to use as the outer cover.

I also coated the sides with whipped cream to make it look prettier. Finally, you can decorate the top with powdered sugar and ground pistachios.

It’s best to leave the assembled pastry in the fridge overnight before serving.

I’ve explained tips for whipping pastry cream properly in the “Pastry Cream” highlight. Instead of plain whipped cream, you can also use chocolate cream or custard.

Baking Instructions:

  • Gas oven: 220°C (428°F), in a preheated oven, for 10–15 minutes

  • Electric oven: 200°C (392°F), heat from bottom with convection fan on

  • Toaster oven: 190°C (374°F), heat from both top and bottom

  • Microwave with convection (Solardom): 180°C (356°F), convection mode