If you’ve been searching for a delightful dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh, I absolutely can’t wait to share this Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe with you! These airy, golden puffs filled with luscious whipped cream and juicy strawberries create a perfect balance of lightness and sweet creaminess. Whether for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that’s as charming to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the flour provides the sturdy yet tender shell, butter adds richness, eggs give the puff its airy rise, and fresh strawberries bring a jewel-like burst of flavor and color. The heavy cream and powdered sugar combine to create a sweet, silky filling that wraps those strawberries perfectly.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base for the delicate puff pastry, giving structure without weight.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden, crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup water: Essential for the dough’s consistency and to produce steam for rising.
- 4 large fresh eggs: They lighten the dough and help it puff beautifully in the oven.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to perfection for a light and fluffy filling.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream filling.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Brings a juicy, refreshing burst that pairs perfectly with the cream.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and butter and bring it just to a boil. This hot mixture is the start of your choux dough, which forms the light shell of the cream puff.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Once boiling, stir in the flour all at once. Keep stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the saucepan sides. This is crucial because this step develops the right texture that will hold air when baked. Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool a bit before adding eggs.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time to the slightly cooled dough, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy. The eggs are the secret weapon here—they infuse the dough with moisture and structure, ensuring the puffs rise beautifully and stay hollow inside for the filling.
Step 4: Shape the Puffs
Transfer the thick dough into a piping bag or simply use a spoon to mound dollops about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This spacing is important so your puffs don’t merge together and have room to expand flawlessly in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes without opening the oven door (no peeking, as tempting as it is!). This keeps the steam trapped inside so the puffs can achieve that golden-brown exterior and strategically hollow interior.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling
While the puffs cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until you see soft peaks form. Gently fold in the fresh sliced strawberries, so they stay intact and juicy, complementing the fluffy cream without causing it to lose volume.
Step 7: Assemble Your Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
Once fully cooled, carefully fill each puff with a generous spoonful or pipe of the strawberry cream. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful contrast between crisp shell and lush, fruity filling.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your strawberry cream puffs with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh mint leaves or a few additional strawberry slices on the side add a vibrant finishing touch that makes your dessert truly shine.
Side Dishes
These cream puffs pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an elegant touch, offer a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a fruity rosé to complement the bright strawberry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your cream puffs into a charming croquembouche for celebrations, or serve them nestled on a platter surrounded by fresh strawberry halves and edible flowers. Their dainty size also makes them perfect for afternoon tea or buffet-style gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store the cream puffs separately from the filling in an airtight container. Keep the puffs in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature if eaten the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked puffs without filling them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw fully at room temperature and fill just before serving to maintain crispness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat unfilled puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to regain some crunch. Avoid microwaving as it may turn them soggy. After reheating, fill with freshly whipped strawberry cream as directed in the recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent the cream from becoming watery.
Is it okay to prepare the dough ahead of time?
The dough is best used fresh to get maximum puffiness in the oven. If you must prepare ahead, keep it refrigerated for a few hours but let it come to room temperature before baking for even rising.
How long do strawberry cream puffs stay fresh?
Because of the whipped cream and fresh fruit filling, it’s best to enjoy them within a day. They can hold up in the refrigerator for about 24 hours but may lose some crispiness.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?
Heavy cream is ideal because it whips well and holds its shape. For a lighter option, try whipping coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
Check that your oven is fully preheated and avoid opening the door during baking. Also, ensure the dough isn’t too wet or too dry, and that eggs are incorporated properly—these all affect rising.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel just as excited as I do to make this Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe your new go-to dessert! The mix of crispy pastry, velvety cream, and fresh strawberries is truly irresistible and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after bite.
Print
Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs (approximately 12 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Strawberry Cream Puffs featuring light, airy choux pastry filled with luscious whipped cream and fresh sliced strawberries. Perfect for a special occasion or an elegant dessert treat, these cream puffs combine a crisp golden shell with a sweet and creamy strawberry filling.
Ingredients
Choux Pastry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large fresh eggs
Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and unsalted butter, bringing it to a boil.
- Form the Choux Pastry Dough: Stir in the all-purpose flour all at once until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the dough, thoroughly mixing after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Shape the Puffs: Pipe or scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each puff about two inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the puffs at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and puffed, making sure not to open the oven door during this time to prevent collapsing.
- Prepare Strawberry Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries to combine.
- Fill and Serve: Once the cream puffs have cooled completely, carefully fill them with the strawberry cream mixture and serve immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Allow the choux pastry dough to cool before adding eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to ensure the puffs rise properly and maintain their shape.
- For a firmer filling, chill the whipped cream mixture before filling the puffs.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
