Strawberry Cream Puffs

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, look no further than Strawberry Cream Puffs. These little treats are the perfect balance of buttery, light pastry filled with sweet, creamy goodness and fresh, juicy strawberries. Picture this: a delicate, crisp puff pastry shell that gives way to a rich, velvety cream and a burst of fresh strawberry sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just because, trust me, these are a dessert you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Puffs

Light & Fluffy Pastry

The puff pastry shell is golden brown, crisp, and delicate. It’s light as air, yet sturdy enough to hold that delicious filling inside. There’s something so satisfying about taking a bite and hearing that little crunch, only to be followed by a smooth, creamy center.

Sweet & Creamy Filling

The filling is a luscious mix of sweetened whipped cream and a bit of cream cheese, which gives it a slight tang. It’s not too sweet, just the right balance to complement the rich pastry. And of course, we’ve added fresh strawberries for that burst of fruity flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

Versatile

These cream puffs aren’t just for fancy gatherings—they’re perfect for any occasion. You can serve them for afternoon tea, as a special treat for the family, or even pack them for a picnic. They’re portable, beautiful, and so much fun to eat.

Impressive Yet Easy to Make

While they look like something you’d find at a French pâtisserie, they’re surprisingly simple to put together. With just a few key ingredients and a little love, you’ll have these beauties ready in no time.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry

Butter
The key to that rich, flaky texture in the pastry. It adds flavor and moisture, making the puffs so delightful.

Water
Helps to create steam that puffs up the dough as it bakes.

Flour
Forms the base of the dough, giving the pastry its structure.

Eggs
Give the pastry its rise and rich texture. These are essential for achieving the perfect puff!

Salt
Just a pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the richness of the pastry.

For the Cream Filling

Heavy Cream
The base for that luscious, light whipped cream filling. It’s the secret to that airy, creamy texture.

Cream Cheese
Adds a subtle tang to the filling, making it extra creamy and just the right amount of rich.

Powdered Sugar
Sweetens the filling, giving it just the right sweetness without being overwhelming.

Vanilla Extract
For that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.

Fresh Strawberries
The star of the show! These juicy, ripe berries bring that bright, fruity flavor that ties everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your puffs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Puff Pastry

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water, bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.

Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough will become smooth, shiny, and a little sticky.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry

Spoon or pipe tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Don’t open the oven during the first 15 minutes of baking, or the puffs might collapse.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cream Puffs

Once the puff pastry shells have cooled, carefully slice each one in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream mixture onto the bottom half of each shell. Top with sliced strawberries and gently place the top half of the pastry on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your strawberry cream puffs as a delightful dessert! They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or simply indulging in a sweet treat. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 (1 puff per serving)
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs

For a Fancy Dessert

These cream puffs are perfect for a fancy dinner party or a special occasion. Serve them on a beautiful platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

For a Sweet Snack

Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re small and light, making them an easy treat for any time of day.

For a Picnic

Pack these cream puffs in a picnic basket for a sweet and portable treat. They hold up well if packed carefully and are a fun surprise at any outdoor gathering.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Strawberries

While you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, fresh, ripe strawberries are key to making these cream puffs absolutely amazing. Their natural sweetness and juiciness make a world of difference!

Don’t Skip Cooling the Pastry

Make sure your puff pastry shells are completely cool before filling them. If they’re warm, the cream filling can melt, and you’ll lose that perfect texture.

Make Them Ahead

You can prepare the puff pastry shells in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Fill them with the cream and strawberries just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.

Add a Little Extra

Want to make these even more indulgent? Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add a bit of citrus zest to the cream filling for a fun twist!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?

A1: Yes, if you prefer to make your own puff pastry, you can certainly do so. It takes a bit more time and effort, but the results will be even more homemade and satisfying.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?

A2: You can prepare the puff pastry shells in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Fill them with the cream and strawberries just before serving for the best texture.

Q3: Can I use a different fruit?

A3: Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can use other berries, like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches, depending on what’s in season.

Q4: How can I make these gluten-free?

A4: You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour for the puff pastry. Just make sure your puff pastry recipe is adjusted to be gluten-free.

Q5: How do I store leftover cream puffs?

A5: Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the pastry might lose some of its crispness after being refrigerated.

Q6: Can I freeze cream puffs?

A6: You can freeze the baked puff pastry shells (unfilled) for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature, then fill with the cream and strawberries when ready to serve.

Q7: Can I use whipped topping instead of making whipped cream?

A7: Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped topping for homemade whipped cream, though the texture and flavor may not be quite as rich.

Q8: Can I make these without cream cheese?

A8: Yes! If you prefer a lighter filling, you can skip the cream cheese and just use whipped cream and powdered sugar. The filling will still be delicious!

Q9: How can I make the cream filling dairy-free?

A9: To make the filling dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Q10: Can I use a piping bag to fill the puffs?

A10: Yes, a piping bag works beautifully for filling the puff pastry shells. Use a round tip to gently pipe the filling inside, and be sure not to overfill to avoid the pastry breaking.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Puffs are the perfect combination of light, flaky pastry and sweet, creamy filling, with just the right touch of fresh strawberry flavor. They’re sure to impress at any gathering or make a wonderful everyday treat. With their elegance and deliciousness, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every delicate bite!

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