Strawberry Cream Puffs

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Introduction

These Strawberry Cream Puffs are the perfect light and indulgent dessert that combines delicate puff pastry with sweetened whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries. Each bite offers the ideal balance of crisp pastry and smooth, creamy filling, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The lightness of the puff pastry pairs perfectly with the rich, whipped cream, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness.


Whether you’re hosting a special gathering, preparing a holiday dessert table, or simply treating yourself, these cream puffs are sure to impress. Their elegant presentation makes them perfect for sophisticated events, while their simple, delicious flavor ensures they’ll be enjoyed by all.


These Strawberry Cream Puffs are easy to make but look and taste like a high-end dessert, making them the perfect way to elevate any occasion. With their sweet, creamy filling and crisp, buttery exterior, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Perfect for:

  • Special occasions and holidays
  • Tea parties
  • Desserts for gatherings
  • Indulgent treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love these Strawberry Cream Puffs:

  • Light and Airy: The choux pastry is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delicate base for the filling.
  • Sweet and Fresh Filling: Fresh strawberries and whipped cream come together for a rich yet light filling.
  • Elegant Presentation: These cream puffs look as beautiful as they taste, making them perfect for entertaining.
  • Easy to Make: While the pastry dough may seem intimidating, this recipe breaks it down into simple steps for a smooth process.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12-15 cream puffs
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories per puff (varies based on size and filling)
  • Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates, fat, sugar, protein, vitamin C from strawberries

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Pastry:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs

For the Strawberry Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Ingredient Highlights

  • Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful pastry that forms the base of these puffs.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the pastry.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the filling light, fluffy, and indulgent.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Bring a fresh, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy filling and crispy puff pastry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cream Puff Pastry:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Cook the Dough:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour all at once, stirring quickly until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly.
  3. Add the Eggs:
    Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes. One at a time, add the eggs, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
  4. Shape the Pastry:
    Using a spoon or piping bag, drop or pipe tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, you can lightly smooth the tops with a wet finger for a smoother finish.
  5. Bake the Pastry:
    Bake the puffs for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking, as it can cause the puffs to deflate. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Strawberry Cream Filling:

  1. Whip the Cream:
    In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
  2. Prepare the Strawberries:
    Dice the strawberries into small pieces and gently fold them into the whipped cream mixture.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:

  1. Cut the Pastry:
    Once the cream puffs have cooled, carefully slice them in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom for each puff.
  2. Fill the Puffs:
    Spoon or pipe the strawberry cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff. Place the top half back on to cover the filling.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve:
    Arrange the filled cream puffs on a platter, and serve immediately. You can garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Cream Puffs make a delightful addition to any dessert spread or party table. Serve them as a stand-alone treat or alongside other light desserts like fruit tarts or mousse for a sweet afternoon tea. They’re perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any day of the week.

Additional Tips

  • Piping the Dough: If you want perfectly round puffs, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to pipe the dough onto the baking sheet. It will ensure even-sized puffs.
  • Chill the Filling: If you’re preparing the strawberry cream filling ahead of time, keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 2 hours before filling the puffs.
  • Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cream puffs, as this could cause the pastry to break.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cream Puffs: After filling the cream puffs with strawberry-flavored whipped cream or custard, dip the top of each puff into melted chocolate and let it set for a rich, indulgent twist.
  • Strawberry and Lemon Cream Puffs: Add a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream or pastry cream filling for a refreshing citrus kick that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
  • Strawberry Shortcake Cream Puffs: Layer a piece of sponge cake or shortcake at the bottom of the cream puff, then add fresh strawberries and cream to create a hybrid of shortcake and cream puff.
  • Balsamic Strawberry Cream Puffs: Toss the strawberries in a small amount of balsamic vinegar and sugar before adding them to the cream puffs. The tangy vinegar balances the sweetness and creates a complex flavor profile.
  • Strawberry and Mascarpone Cream Puffs: Mix mascarpone cheese with the whipped cream to create a richer, creamier filling. The smoothness of mascarpone pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
  • Strawberry-Almond Cream Puffs: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the cream puff after baking for a nutty crunch that complements the strawberries.
  • Caramelized Strawberry Cream Puffs: Sauté fresh strawberries in a little sugar and butter until they caramelize, then add them to the cream puffs for a deeper, richer strawberry flavor.
  • Strawberry and Pistachio Cream Puffs: Combine finely chopped pistachios into the whipped cream filling or sprinkle them on top of the cream puff along with the strawberries for a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Strawberry and Coconut Cream Puffs: Add shredded coconut to the cream filling for a tropical twist. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  • Strawberry and Mint Cream Puffs: Stir finely chopped fresh mint into the whipped cream filling or garnish the finished cream puffs with a mint leaf. This provides a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the rich cream and strawberries.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry can become soggy over time.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the baked puffs without the filling. Once cool, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with the fresh strawberry cream.

Special Equipment

  • Electric Mixer: For whipping the cream to soft and stiff peaks.
  • Piping Bag (Optional): For evenly shaped puffs and neat filling.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make these cream puffs in advance?
    Yes, you can make the pastry ahead of time and freeze them. Fill them just before serving for the best texture.
  2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
    Fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
  3. Can I make these without eggs?
    Unfortunately, eggs are essential for the puff pastry’s structure, so they cannot be substituted in this recipe.
  4. How can I keep the puffs from getting soggy?
    For the best texture, serve the cream puffs as soon as they are assembled. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, store the cream filling and puffs separately and fill them just before serving.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cream Puffs are the perfect combination of delicate pastry and luscious cream, making them an elegant and irresistible dessert. The light, airy puff pastry is filled with a smooth, sweet cream and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. They’re ideal for any occasion, from a special celebration to a simple treat after dinner.

Made with just a handful of ingredients, these cream puffs come together quickly and easily, delivering a sophisticated dessert without the complexity. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet evening, or treating yourself to something sweet, these puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The balance of crispy pastry, rich cream, and fresh strawberries makes every bite a delightful experience. Serve these Strawberry Cream Puffs as the perfect end to a meal or as a sweet snack any time of day!

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