Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

If you love desserts that are both light and delicious, you will absolutely enjoy making this Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe. This dessert brings together soft, airy choux pastry filled with sweet cream and fresh strawberries. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats – I was hosting a little gathering, and everyone was excited about their sweet, fruity flavors. Since that day, Strawberry Cream Puffs have become a staple in my dessert repertoire.

What Are Strawberry Cream Puffs?

Strawberry cream puffs are delightful pastries made from choux pastry filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. They are light, airy, and have a delicate crunch on the outside while being creamy and fruity on the inside. These little puffs are perfect for any occasion, and they make a lovely addition to parties, celebrations, or even a quiet afternoon tea.

Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Cream Puffs

You will need only a few simple ingredients to make these delicious cream puffs. Here’s what I typically use:

For the Choux Pastry:

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

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

How to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs

Making choux pastry may sound daunting, but I promise it’s easier than you think. The key is to get the measurements and technique right. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil the Water and Butter

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Watching the butter melt makes me feel a little bit like a magician.

2. Add Flour and Salt

Once the butter has melted and the water is boiling, remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms. The dough will seem thick and a bit clumpy, but that’s normal!

3. Mix in the Eggs

Gradually add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to achieve a smooth, glossy dough. I usually use a wooden spoon for this process, but a mixer can work too.

4. Shape the Puffs

Use a pastry bag or a spoon to place dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make each puff about the size of a golf ball. A tip from my kitchen is to wet your finger and gently press down the peaks for a smoother top.

5. Bake Them

Bake the puffs at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Don’t open the oven door while they bake; they need to cook evenly.

How to Prepare the Cream Filling

While the puffs are cooling, it’s time to whip up the filling. This creamy mix is what makes the strawberries truly shine.

1. Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. With a mixer, whip it until soft peaks form.

2. Add Sugar and Vanilla

Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix just until everything is combined.

3. Prepare the Strawberries

Slice the fresh strawberries and mix them with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness. I find letting them sit for a few minutes allows them to release their juicy flavors.

Assembling Your Strawberry Cream Puffs

1. Hollow Out the Puffs

Once the puffs cool completely, gently poke a small hole in the side of each puff. This is where the creamy filling will go.

2. Fill Them with Cream

Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the hollowed-out puffs with whipped cream.

3. Add the Strawberries

Spoon some diced strawberries into each puff on top of the cream.

4. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Just before serving, dust a little powdered sugar on top of each cream puff.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Make sure your butter is fully melted before adding flour for better consistency.
• Don’t open the oven while baking; it’s important for the puffs to rise properly.
• Cool the puffs completely before filling to maintain that nice texture.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry cream puffs are quite lovely on their own, but there are always fun ways to jazz them up:

• Add Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce on top creates an irresistible combination.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side never hurts.
• Pair with Fresh Mint: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and refreshes the palate.

Storing Strawberry Cream Puffs

If you happen to have leftovers (which I usually don’t), storing them correctly is essential.

• Refrigerate: Store any filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to eat them within a day for the best texture.
• Separate Storage: If you want to prepare them ahead of time, fill the puffs right before serving to ensure freshness.

Variations of Cream Puffs

Feeling adventurous? There are endless ways to personalize your cream puffs:

• Change Up the Fruit: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or any seasonal fruit.
• Infuse Flavors: Mix in a hint of lemon zest or almond extract with the cream for a unique twist.
• Add a Crunch: Top the puffs with crushed nuts for an added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe has become a classic for a reason. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging yourself, they offer a sweet, delightful experience that’s hard to resist. The next time you need a quick and elegant dessert, remember these delightful Strawberry Cream Puffs; they won’t disappoint!

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board and share your creations!

Looking for more delicious desserts? Try our Easy Cherry Dump Cake for a fruity twist!
If you enjoy easy and delicious desserts, check out our Easy Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe.

For another creamy and tangy treat, check out our Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust recipe.
If you love quick and simple baking ideas, don’t miss our Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie.

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