Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a light, flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, tangy filling, and fresh strawberries on top. Strawberry cream puffs are a perfect balance of rich, buttery pastry, sweet cream filling, and a burst of fruity freshness. Whether for a celebration or a sweet treat to brighten up your day, these cream puffs will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Any Occasion

These strawberry cream puffs are versatile enough to be a crowd-pleasing dessert at a wedding, a festive brunch, or even a casual gathering. They’re elegant yet simple.

2. Light, Flaky Pastry

The puff pastry is wonderfully light and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy filling and fresh strawberries.

3. Refreshing Strawberry Flavor

Fresh strawberries give these puffs a natural, bright sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich filling, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

4. Easy to Make

Despite their sophisticated appearance, these cream puffs are surprisingly easy to make! With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have these delicious treats in no time.

5. Customizable

You can adjust the filling by adding more flavors or swapping the strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• For the Puff Pastry:
• Butter
• Water
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• For the Cream Filling:
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Salt
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries

Variations

• Berry Filling: Swap the strawberries for other berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, for a different fruity twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the filled puffs for added sweetness and visual appeal.
• Flavored Cream: Add a touch of lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon to the cream filling for an added flavor dimension.
• Mini Puffs: Make mini cream puffs by scooping smaller portions of dough onto your baking sheet and adjusting the baking time.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water, bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Once the dough has cooled slightly, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be glossy and smooth. Transfer the dough to a piping bag.

Step 3: Shape the Puffs

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe small rounds of dough onto the sheet, about 1 inch in diameter, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Once done, allow the puffs to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Cream Filling

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Puffs

Once the pastry puffs are cool, cut them in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the cream filling onto the bottom half, then top with fresh strawberry slices. Place the top half of the puff back on top.

Step 6: Serve

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bit of chocolate sauce if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overfill the Puffs: When piping the cream filling, make sure to not overfill the puffs so the filling doesn’t spill out too much when you bite into them.
• Chill the Cream: For the best whipped cream texture, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the puff pastry ahead of time and freeze the baked puffs for up to 2 weeks. The cream filling can also be made in advance, but it’s best to fill the puffs just before serving for the freshest flavor.
• Check the Pastry: The puffs are done when they’re golden and puffed up. If they’re still soft in the middle, bake for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake them.

How to Serve

Serve these strawberry cream puffs as a delightful treat at afternoon tea, a special dessert for a romantic dinner, or as a sweet addition to a brunch spread. They’re best enjoyed the same day they’re assembled, but if you have leftovers, store the unfilled puffs and filling separately and assemble just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cream filling or pastry, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cream should be kept chilled, and the puff pastry can be stored at room temperature or frozen.

Freezing

To freeze the baked puffs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh cream and strawberries.

Reheating

To reheat frozen puff pastry, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

While homemade puff pastry creates the best results, you can use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut. Be sure to bake it according to the package directions and allow it to cool before filling.

2. Can I make these in advance?

Yes! The puff pastry can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cream filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble the puffs just before serving.

3. Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! You can use whipped cream with a little vanilla or chocolate mousse as a filling. Just ensure the filling is light and airy to complement the puff pastry.

4. What other fruits can I use?

While strawberries are a classic choice, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a delicious variation.

5. How do I keep the puffs from deflating?

Once the puff pastry is baked, allow it to cool fully before cutting and filling to avoid any collapse. Avoid overfilling them, as too much cream can cause the puff to deflate.

6. Can I use non-dairy cream cheese and whipped cream?

Yes, non-dairy substitutes like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese work well if you need a dairy-free option.

7. How can I make these even more decadent?

You can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts for an added texture and flavor boost.

8. Can I make the puffs without eggs?

Eggs are essential to the rise and texture of the puff pastry. Unfortunately, this recipe requires eggs for the desired result, but you can experiment with egg substitutes if necessary.

9. How long will these cream puffs last?

They are best enjoyed on the day they are assembled, but the pastry and filling can last in separate containers for up to 2 days. Don’t fill the puffs until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

10. Can I freeze the cream puffs?

Yes, freeze the baked, unfilled puffs in a single layer, then store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cream Puffs are a beautiful and delicious treat that combines flaky pastry, sweet cream, and fresh strawberries into one irresistible dessert. Perfect for special occasions or just when you’re craving something light and indulgent, these cream puffs will become your go-to for any celebration. Enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors with every bite!

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