Strawberry Cream Puffs

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Puffs are light and airy pastries filled with a luscious strawberry cream filling and topped with powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet glaze. These delicate treats make a stunning dessert for any occasion, combining the crispiness of choux pastry with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries.

I first made these for a spring gathering, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. The soft, fluffy pastry paired with the rich, creamy filling was a hit with everyone. What’s great about Strawberry Cream Puffs is how versatile they are. You can serve them at tea parties, as a light dessert after dinner, or even for special celebrations like birthdays or holidays.

What’s even better is how easy they are to make, with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience to assemble. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cream puffs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Mother’s Day brunch
• Weddings or bridal showers
• Valentine’s Day
• Dessert buffets

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Puffs

Here’s why Strawberry Cream Puffs are a must-try:

• Light and Airy Pastry: Choux pastry is easy to make and creates a crisp, hollow shell that pairs beautifully with creamy fillings.
• Luscious Strawberry Cream: The filling is a dreamy combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream, offering a balance of sweetness and freshness.
• Visually Stunning: These elegant desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The components can be prepared ahead of time, allowing for easy assembly when needed.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add different toppings to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling and filling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 cream puffs
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Cream Puffs:

For the Choux Pastry:

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

Strawberry Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped or pureed)

Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Melted white chocolate (for drizzling)
• Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Choux Pastry: The foundation of cream puffs, this versatile pastry is made with simple ingredients and creates a hollow shell perfect for filling.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream adds lightness to the strawberry filling, ensuring a delicate texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Finely chopped or pureed strawberries bring a burst of natural flavor to the filling.
• Toppings: Powdered sugar or melted chocolate enhances the presentation and flavor of the cream puffs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Cream Puffs:

Make the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Add Flour: Reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Cool the Dough: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5-7 minutes. This step prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
5. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
6. Pipe or Spoon the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or use a spoon to drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Avoid opening the oven door during baking.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cream puffs to cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Strawberry Cream Filling:

9. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped or pureed strawberries until evenly incorporated.

Fill the Cream Puffs:

11. Prepare the Puffs: Use a sharp knife to slice each cream puff in half horizontally or cut a small slit in the side.
12. Add Filling: Transfer the strawberry cream filling to a piping bag and pipe it into the hollow center of each puff. Alternatively, spoon the filling into the puffs.

Garnish the Cream Puffs:

13. Dust or Drizzle: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.
14. Garnish: Add a small slice of fresh strawberry on top for a decorative touch.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs

Strawberry Cream Puffs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• At Parties: Display them on a tiered dessert tray for an elegant presentation.
• With Afternoon Tea: Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon treat.
• For Special Occasions: Serve them at weddings, showers, or brunches to impress your guests.
• As a Light Dessert: Enjoy them after a meal for a sweet but not overly heavy dessert.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cream Puffs

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cream Puffs turn out perfectly:

• Keep Pastry Crisp: To maintain their crisp texture, fill the cream puffs just before serving or shortly beforehand.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and texture to the filling.
• Chill the Cream: Chilled heavy cream whips faster and holds its shape better.
• Avoid Overmixing: Fold the strawberries into the whipped cream gently to maintain the light and airy texture.
• Reheat for Crispiness: If the pastry softens, reheat the cream puffs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cream Puffs

Here are 10 variations to try with your Strawberry Cream Puffs:

1. Chocolate Cream Filling: Swap the strawberry filling for a chocolate whipped cream or ganache filling.
2. Lemon Cream Puffs: Add lemon zest and juice to the filling for a tangy twist.
3. Mixed Berry Cream Puffs: Incorporate a mix of berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) into the filling.
4. Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs: Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
5. Coconut Strawberry Puffs: Add shredded coconut to the filling or garnish for a tropical flair.
6. Matcha Strawberry Puffs: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the pastry dough for a green tea flavor.
7. Gluten-Free Cream Puffs: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the pastry.
8. White Chocolate Coating: Dip the tops of the cream puffs in melted white chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Puffs: Mix cream cheese into the filling for a cheesecake-inspired dessert.
10. Savory Cream Puffs: Replace the sweet filling with a savory one, such as whipped cream cheese and smoked salmon, for an appetizer version.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Freezing: Freeze the unfilled cream puff shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and crisp in the oven before filling.
• Storage: Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pastry may soften slightly when stored.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cream Puffs

Here are some tools that will make preparing Strawberry Cream Puffs easier:

• Piping Bag: For shaping the choux pastry and filling the cream puffs.
• Electric Mixer: To whip the heavy cream quickly and efficiently.
• Cooling Rack: Ensures the pastry cools evenly without becoming soggy.
• Paring Knife: For slicing the cream puffs neatly in half.
• Small Sieve: For evenly dusting powdered sugar over the cream puffs.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cream Puffs

1. Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the choux pastry shells in advance and store them at room temperature or freeze them. Fill them just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
3. Why didn’t my cream puffs rise?
   This could be due to underbaking or not heating the water and butter mixture enough before adding the flour. Make sure to follow the steps carefully for best results.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
   Yes, use plant-based butter for the pastry and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the filling.
5. What can I do with leftover pastry dough?
   Use any leftover dough to pipe smaller puffs or make éclairs by shaping the dough into longer strips.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Puffs are an irresistible dessert that combines the elegance of French pastry with the fresh, fruity sweetness of strawberries. With their light, airy texture and creamy filling, these puffs make a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with your family, or treating yourself, these delightful puffs are sure to be a hit!

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, perfect for everything from casual family nights to elegant gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a sweet moment on your own, these strawberry cream puffs will bring joy with every bite.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cream Puffs turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!