© Original recipe by Flavor & Folklore ©
Decadent Strawberry Cream Puffs Delicately Sweet & Fluffy 🍓🫧✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for the perfect **strawberry cream puffs**, you’ve come to the right place! These delightful pastries combine crisp, golden choux pastry with luscious strawberry filling and silky whipped cream, creating a memorable **dessert** that impresses family and friends alike. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these strawberry cream puffs are easy to make, elegant, and irresistibly delicious. And if you’re interested in more pastry inspiration, be sure to check out our chocolate croissant breakfast bake for another breakfast pastry idea.
2. Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Puffs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves, extra strawberries, or drizzle of chocolate
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs
Preparing the Choux Pastry
Step 1: Boil Water and Butter
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts completely.
Step 2: Add Flour and Form Dough
Remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook off excess moisture.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Allow it to cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become glossy and smooth, forming stiff peaks.
Step 4: Pipe the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe small mounds of dough (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 5: Bake until Golden
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes to prevent deflation. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the Strawberry Cream Filling
Step 6: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 7: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and dice the fresh strawberries. You can reserve some whole strawberries for garnishing.
Step 8: Fill the Puffs
Cut the cooled puffs in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe a generous amount of strawberry filling into the bottom half, add a layer of whipped cream, then top with the other half. Repeat for all puffs.
4. Storage Tips for Strawberry Cream Puffs
Store the assembled strawberry cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, consider storing the filling separately and assembling just before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Strawberry Cream Puffs
Serve these delightful **desserts** chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops or add sprinkles of powdered sugar. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent experience. Looking for more inspiration? Check out this festive Christmas bread recipe for holiday baking ideas.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Cream Puffs
Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the choux pastry a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the filling and assemble just before serving for the best texture. For longer storage, keep the unfilled shells in the fridge.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for the filling to maintain the texture and flavor. However, if frozen strawberries are your only option, thaw and drain excess moisture thoroughly before using to prevent sogginess.
Are strawberry cream puffs suitable for gluten-free diets?
Traditional choux pastry contains gluten, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a suitable version. Be aware that texture may vary slightly.
How long do these cream puffs take to make?
Overall preparation and baking take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, making this a fairly quick yet elegant **dessert** to prepare.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make your **strawberry cream puffs** perfectly, using the right kitchen tools is essential. A high-quality stand mixer, such as the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer, simplifies whipping cream and mixing dough. For piping the pastry, a durable piping bag and tips will make shaping easy. Invest in a reliable baking sheet and parchment paper for even baking. For added convenience, consider using an air fryer to speed up baking or crisping up leftovers. These tools help enhance your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time.
8. Explore More Delicious Pastry Recipes
If you enjoyed creating these **strawberry cream puffs**, explore other delightful **pastry** options like the Valentine ganache cookies or the festive holiday bread. Expand your baking repertoire by trying new desserts and pastries that will impress your loved ones.
9. Conclusion
In summary, these **decadent strawberry cream puffs** are a charming, sweet **pastry** that combines fluffiness, richness, and fresh fruit in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results. Treat yourself or surprise guests with this elegant dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy baking!
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Decadent Strawberry Cream Puffs Delicious and Easy Dessert
Light and fluffy cream puffs filled with luscious strawberry cream and dusted with powdered sugar make for a delightful dessert perfect for any celebration or casual gathering.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour until smooth.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and shiny.
- Spoon or pipe dough onto prepared baking sheet in 12 mounds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Cut puffs in half and fill with strawberry jam and whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Ensure puffs are fully cooled before filling to prevent collapse.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking and Whipping
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 180 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg