Name: Chocolate Strawberry Mille-Feuille
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream (for optional whipped cream topping); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for whipped cream); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream); 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; Powdered sugar, for dusting

A Chocolate Strawberry Mille-Feuille is an elegant French dessert that combines layers of flaky puff pastry with rich chocolate mousse, sweet strawberry cream, and fresh strawberries. This dessert offers a sophisticated presentation and a perfect balance of crisp texture and smooth, fruity filling, making it ideal for celebrations or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries.
Quick and easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry.
Makes for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Customizable with variations in filling or decoration.
Can be made partially ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets
Egg (for egg wash)
Sugar (caster or coffee sugar)
Flaked almonds
Gelatin or agar-agar
Heavy cream
Icing sugar
Cocoa powder
Strawberry purée
Strawberry essence
Fresh strawberries
Optional: macarons or powdered sugar for garnish

Directions

Bake the Puff Pastry
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Cut the puff pastry into equal rectangles. Place them on a lined baking tray, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove from oven, brush again, sprinkle with sugar and flaked almonds, and bake for an additional 5–8 minutes. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Mousses
Bloom gelatin in a small amount of cold water. Whip the heavy cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form. Add the cooled gelatin and divide the cream into two portions. Fold cocoa powder into one portion for chocolate mousse, and strawberry purée with essence into the other for strawberry mousse. Transfer each into separate piping bags.
Pipe and Chill
Pipe chocolate mousse onto one pastry layer, strawberry mousse onto another, and both mousses on the third layer with almonds. Chill these layers in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes to firm up the mousse.
Assemble the Mille-Feuille
Layer the pastry starting with the chocolate mousse layer, then the strawberry mousse layer, and finally the mixed mousse layer with almonds. Add thinly sliced fresh strawberries between the layers. Garnish with more strawberries, powdered sugar, or macarons on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 to 8
Prep time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Replace mousse with mascarpone cream or pastry cream.
Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter profile.
Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries.
Add a chocolate drizzle or use gold leaf for extra elegance.
Use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegetarian version.

Storage/reheating

Best served fresh on the day of assembly for optimal texture.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Not suitable for reheating.
To maintain crispness, avoid assembling too far in advance.

FAQs

What is a mille-feuille?

A mille-feuille is a traditional French dessert consisting of layers of puff pastry and cream filling, often topped with icing or powdered sugar.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but it is best to assemble it shortly before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness.

What can I use instead of gelatin?

Agar-agar is a good vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Follow package instructions for substitution.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the pastry is completely cooled before assembling, and add the mousse just before serving.

Can I freeze mille-feuille?

No, freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of both the mousse and the pastry.

How do I cut the mille-feuille cleanly?

Use a serrated knife and gently saw through each layer to avoid crushing the pastry.

Can I use different fruits?

Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries work well as alternatives to strawberries.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, you can cut the pastry into smaller rectangles to create individual servings.

What should I do if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off as a substitute.

Conclusion

Chocolate Strawberry Mille-Feuille is a show-stopping dessert that combines crisp pastry layers with indulgent mousse and fresh fruit. Its striking appearance and balanced flavors make it perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a refined homemade dessert. With customizable elements and make-ahead flexibility, this mille-feuille is sure to impress every time.