Introduction
Strawberry Cream Puffs are the ultimate indulgence that combines the light, airy texture of choux pastry with a rich, homemade strawberry cream filling, creating a treat that’s both elegant and satisfying. Each bite is a delicate balance of sweetness, with the crisp pastry providing a perfect contrast to the creamy, smooth strawberry filling. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cream puffs have a timeless charm that makes them ideal for any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering, a special celebration, or just as an afternoon snack, Strawberry Cream Puffs are sure to impress.
The first time I made Strawberry Cream Puffs, I was amazed at how simple it was to bring such a delicate pastry to life. The choux pastry puffed up beautifully in the oven, and when I piped in the strawberry cream filling, I knew I had created something special. The combination of the slightly crunchy shell and the soft, velvety filling was just perfect, and my kitchen smelled like a French pastry shop as they baked.
What I love most about Strawberry Cream Puffs is their versatility. They make an elegant addition to any dessert spread, yet they’re easy enough to whip up for a casual treat. The strawberry cream filling is wonderfully customizable—you can swap in other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. No matter how you serve them, these cream puffs will always add a touch of elegance and sweetness to any occasion, leaving everyone craving more.
Perfect for:
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- Summer parties
- Afternoon tea
- Special celebrations
- Picnics
- Strawberry enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
Here’s why Strawberry Cream Puffs will become a favorite in your dessert rotation:
- Light and Fluffy: The choux pastry is airy and delicate, providing the perfect vessel for the creamy strawberry filling.
- Fresh and Fruity: The strawberry cream filling, made from fresh strawberries and whipped cream, delivers a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pastry.
- Elegant Presentation: These bite-sized treats look stunning on any dessert platter, adding a touch of sophistication to your spread.
- Make-Ahead Option: Both the pastry and the filling can be prepared in advance, making this an excellent dessert to prepare ahead of time for a stress-free serving.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling by adding more flavors like vanilla or citrus zest to complement the strawberries.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12-14 cream puffs
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cream Puffs:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 4 large eggs
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for added sweetness)
Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Choux Pastry: This delicate, light pastry is made with butter, water, flour, and eggs and is the base for many French desserts. It puffs up beautifully when baked and provides a light texture to complement the creamy filling.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream creates a rich, airy filling that holds its shape perfectly when combined with the fresh strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: Pureeing fresh strawberries adds a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to the cream filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds a light dusting for sweetness without overwhelming the flavor of the cream puff.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Strawberry Cream Puffs:
Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the Flour: Add the flour to the saucepan and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Shape the Puffs: Use a spoon or piping bag to shape the dough into small mounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each mound.
- Bake the Pastry: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Gently fold the strawberry puree and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until combined. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add strawberry jam for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the Filling: Transfer the strawberry cream filling to the fridge to chill while the pastry cools.
Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Prepare the Puffs: Once the pastry is completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice each puff in half horizontally.
- Fill the Puffs: Spoon or pipe the chilled strawberry cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff. Place the top half back on top to create a sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish each cream puff with a small slice of fresh strawberry for an extra burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs
Strawberry Cream Puffs are best served fresh, but here are some ideas for serving them in style:
- At a Tea Party: Serve these elegant treats alongside hot tea or coffee for a refined, classic pairing.
- As a Dessert Buffet: Arrange the cream puffs on a tiered stand for a beautiful presentation at a buffet or party.
- With a Side of Fruit: Pair the cream puffs with additional fresh strawberries or other berries for a refreshing contrast.
- As a Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cream puff shells and filling in advance, then assemble just before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy.
- On a Dessert Platter: Serve several varieties of cream puffs—such as chocolate or vanilla—and let guests choose their favorites.
Additional Tips for Strawberry Cream Puffs
Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cream Puffs turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early: When baking the choux pastry, avoid opening the oven door for the first 20 minutes to ensure they puff up properly.
- Let the Pastry Cool Completely: Make sure the pastry has cooled completely before filling it with the strawberry cream, otherwise, the filling may melt.
- Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cream.
- Piping the Cream: If you want to pipe the filling, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to evenly distribute the cream.
- Make Ahead: You can make the choux pastry and strawberry cream filling a day ahead. Just store them separately in an airtight container and assemble just before serving.
Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cream Puffs
Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Cream Puffs:
- Chocolate Cream Puffs: Substitute the strawberry filling for a rich chocolate ganache or mousse for a chocolaty twist.
- Lemon Cream Puffs: Use lemon zest and juice to flavor the cream filling for a citrusy variation.
- Vanilla Cream Puffs: Swap out the strawberry puree for vanilla bean paste or extract for a classic version.
- Raspberry Cream Puffs: Use raspberry puree instead of strawberry for a tangy berry alternative.
- Nutella Cream Puffs: Add a layer of Nutella spread between the cream filling for a nutty, chocolatey addition.
- Mint Cream Puffs: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a refreshing minty flavor.
- Peach Cream Puffs: Replace the strawberries with pureed peaches for a summery twist.
- Caramel Cream Puffs: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream filling for a sweet and buttery flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Cream Puffs: After filling the puffs, dip the tops in melted chocolate for an indulgent finish.
- Pistachio Cream Puffs: Add ground pistachios to the cream filling for a nutty flavor that pairs well with the strawberry.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Choux pastry shells can be frozen before baking. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store assembled cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed within the first day or two for maximum freshness.
Special Equipment for Strawberry Cream Puffs
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Cream Puffs easier:
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps to quickly whip the cream to soft peaks and combine the ingredients for the filling.
- Piping Bag: A piping bag fitted with a round tip helps you neatly fill the cream puffs with the strawberry cream.
- Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet is perfect for arranging and baking the cream puff shells.
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack to cool the baked choux pastry shells to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Sifter: A sifter is useful for dusting the finished cream puffs with powdered sugar for an even coating.
FAQ Section for Strawberry Cream Puffs
- Can I use store-bought pastry shells?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry or cream puff shells and fill them with the strawberry cream. - Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the strawberry cream filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use. - What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
Ensure you’re using the correct oven temperature, and avoid opening the oven door too early while baking. - Can I freeze the cream puffs?
You can freeze the unfilled pastry shells and assemble the puffs after they’ve thawed, but the filled cream puffs are best eaten fresh. - How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the choux pastry.
Strawberry Cream Puffs
Strawberry Cream Puffs are the perfect balance of light, fluffy, and sweet—making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With airy choux pastry, a luscious homemade strawberry cream filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cream puffs bring a touch of elegance to any dessert table. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, a birthday party, or just because you love a good pastry, Strawberry Cream Puffs will be a crowd-pleaser. Their delicate texture and vibrant flavor make them a delightful dessert for strawberry lovers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–14 cream puffs 1x
- Category: lunch
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 4 large eggs
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for added sweetness)
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the Flour: Add the flour to the saucepan and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Shape the Puffs: Use a spoon or piping bag to shape the dough into small mounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each mound.
- Bake the Pastry: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Gently fold the strawberry puree and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until combined. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add strawberry jam for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Chill the Filling: Transfer the strawberry cream filling to the fridge to chill while the pastry cools.
Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Prepare the Puffs: Once the pastry is completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice each puff in half horizontally.
- Fill the Puffs: Spoon or pipe the chilled strawberry cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff. Place the top half back on top to create a sandwich.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish each cream puff with a small slice of fresh strawberry for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. With their light, fluffy pastry and rich, creamy strawberry filling, these cream puffs are a perfect treat for summer gatherings, tea parties, or as a special indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as individual treats or arranging them on a platter, they are sure to impress.
With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try these Strawberry Cream Puffs for your next event, and watch them disappear from the table in no time!
I can’t wait to see how you make these! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your creations—I’d love to see your take on this sweet treat. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy baking!