There’s something utterly enchanting about the combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream nestled in a delicate puff pastry. I first encountered this delightful treat at a summer picnic, and ever since, Strawberry Cream Puffs have become my go-to dessert for sunny afternoons. You might be surprised by how simple they are to make, transforming an ordinary ingredient list into a spectacular dessert that dazzles friends and family alike.
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When those little guys come out of the oven, their golden hue and airy texture promise a sweet delight that’s hard to resist. The best part? Each bite is a frothy explosion of creaminess and fruity goodness, perfect for satisfying that craving for homemade indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to elevate a quiet night in, these cream puffs offer a burst of joy with every morsel. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and bring this crowd-pleasing dessert to life!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cream Puffs
- These Strawberry Cream Puffs are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a gourmet dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream creates a flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
- Their versatility shines through as they can be enjoyed at picnics, parties, or even as a sweet treat during a cozy evening at home.
- Visually, these puff pastries are a stunning addition to any dessert table, with their golden exteriors and vibrant pink filling, sure to impress your guests.
Strawberry Cream Puffs Ingredients
Discover the magic of making these delightful treats!
For the Choux Pastry
- 1 cup water – ensures the dough has the right hydration for those airy puffs.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – adds richness and flair to the pastry.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for creating that light, buttery texture.
- 4 large eggs – essential for binding and giving rise to your puff pastry.
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries – the stars of this dish, providing sweet, refreshing flavors.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – the creamy element that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – balances the sweetness of the whipped cream.
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream – helps achieve the perfect consistency while whipping the cream.
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – use it for dusting right before serving for an elegant touch.
With these Strawberry Cream Puffs ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a perfectly baked puff pastry that rises beautifully.
Boil the mixture: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to a rolling boil. The bubbling action will help dissolve the butter completely.
Add the flour: Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes.
Cool slightly: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5-10 minutes until it’s warm but not hot to the touch. This cooling step is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
Incorporate eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become smooth and glossy; this texture is critical for light, airy puffs.
Pipe the dough: Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or spoon the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make small mounds, about 2 inches apart, ensuring they have room to expand.
Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown. Don’t open the oven door during baking!
Cool the puffs: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack, allowing the steam to escape so they don’t get soggy.
Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until stiff peaks form. This fluffy cream will serve as the delicious filling.
Fill with strawberries: Slice the cooled puffs in half and generously fill each half with whipped cream and a handful of fresh strawberries.
Optional: Dust the filled puffs with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cream Puffs
Room Temperature: Allow the Strawberry Cream Puffs to cool completely before storing them at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Fridge: If you have leftover filled puffs, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days; however, keep the filling separate to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezer: To freeze unfilled puffs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat unfilled puffs in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness before filling them with cream and strawberries.
Strawberry Cream Puffs Variations
Your Strawberry Cream Puffs can easily become a personalized sweet treat with a few delightful twists!
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy whipping cream to create a creamy, flavorful vegan option. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these puffs suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. The fluffy texture remains just as wonderful!
Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the whipped cream to brighten the flavors. This lovely hint of citrus will elevate your puffs.
Rich Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled puffs for an indulgent finish. The combination of strawberry, cream, and chocolate creates pure bliss.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the whipped cream for a delightful crunch. This adds an exciting textural element!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the whipped cream for a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness. It’s a bold twist on a classic!
Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry explosion. This variation tastes just as fresh and colorful!
Coffee Infusion: Add brewed espresso or coffee powder to the whipped cream for a delicious café-inspired dessert. The bitterness balances the sweetness elegantly.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Cream Puffs are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the choux pastry and shape the puffs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. For the filling, whip the cream and combine it with strawberries on the day you plan to serve, as this will ensure it stays light and fresh. Just before serving, slice the puffs and fill them with the cream and strawberries for an elegant dessert that’s just as delicious when made ahead.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Looking to create a delightful spread that perfectly complements those airy treats?
Chilled Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch and balances the sweetness of the cream puffs. Each bite bursts with natural sweetness and juicy flavors.
Mint Lemonade: This zesty and refreshing drink brings a cool, citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich cream. It’s the perfect thirst quencher on sunny days!
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate over your Strawberry Cream Puffs creates a decadent contrast that elevates the dessert to another level. The combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone wanting more.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to your puffs offers a delightful temperature contrast and complements their fruity filling. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
Pistachio Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti with nutty undertones adds a satisfying crunch beside the soft, airy cream puffs. They can be delightful dunked into coffee or enjoyed on their own!
Herb-Infused Tea: Serve a delicate herbal tea like chamomile or mint to cleanse the palate between bites. The gentle flavors won’t overpower the dessert and create a lovely end to your meal.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results for your Strawberry Cream Puffs, make sure to let the dough cool enough before adding the eggs so they don’t scramble.
- Using a sturdy piping bag will help you create uniform puffs that bake evenly, so choose one that can handle the thick dough.
- When piping the dough, remember to leave enough space between each mound on the baking sheet as they will expand significantly while baking.
- A crucial baking tip is to avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to ensure the puffs rise properly and maintain their structure.
Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best strawberries for my cream puffs?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red and firm with a fresh, sweet aroma. Avoid those with dark spots or a dull color, as these indicate overripeness. If you can, try to use local, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Very! If you have filled puffs, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pastry from getting soggy, it’s best to store the whipped cream and strawberries separately and fill them just before serving.
Can I freeze Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Of course! To freeze unfilled puffs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness before adding the cream and strawberries.
What should I do if my cream puffs don’t rise properly?
Ah, this can be a common concern! If the puffs don’t rise, it could be due to opening the oven door too early, which allows steam to escape. Also, ensure you cook the flour mixture long enough to create that stretchy, doughy consistency. A light, smooth texture is crucial, so mix the eggs in thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for these Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Definitely! While these cream puffs are a delightful treat, they do contain gluten and dairy. If you have a gluten sensitivity, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream for those avoiding dairy. Just be sure to check all labels for allergens, especially if serving to guests.
How can I make my whipped cream extra fluffy?
For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 15 minutes before whipping. Start at a low speed until the cream thickens, then increase the speed to achieve stiff peaks. Adding powdered sugar balances the sweetness while stabilizing the cream, making it easier to fill the puffs. Enjoy your baking adventure with these Strawberry Cream Puffs!
Strawberry Cream Puffs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until stiff peaks form.
- Slice the cooled puffs in half and fill each half with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
- Dust with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar before serving.
