Strawberry Cream Puffs: A Classic Dessert Recipe

Strawberry cream puffs are the perfect balance of light, airy pastry and rich, creamy filling, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. These elegant desserts are simple to make yet look and taste like something straight out of a French patisserie. With fresh strawberries and a touch of sweetness, these cream puffs are ideal for celebrations, tea parties, or just an indulgent weekend dessert.

What Are Strawberry Cream Puffs?

Strawberry cream puffs are made using pâte à choux (choux pastry), a classic French dough that puffs up beautifully when baked. The hollow pastry shells are filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Their combination of crisp pastry, creamy filling, and juicy fruit makes them an irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
• Impressive presentation: Looks fancy without being overly complicated to make.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for desserts, parties, or afternoon tea.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings and fruits.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp (16g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, sliced

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Baking the Cream Puffs

5. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop or pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound for expansion.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent deflation.
7. Once baked, remove the cream puffs and cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the Whipped Cream Filling

8. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Assembling the Cream Puffs

9. Slice the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally.
10. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the bottom halves of the cream puffs. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream.
11. Replace the top halves of the cream puffs.

Finishing Touches

12. Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant look.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry cream puffs are best served fresh. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of sparkling wine for a luxurious treat.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store leftover cream puffs (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the pastry may lose its crispness over time.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the unfilled pastry shells for up to 1 month. Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and refresh in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes before filling.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs or add cocoa powder to the whipped cream.
• Tropical Twist: Replace strawberries with mango slices and add a touch of coconut extract to the whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the pastry.
• Vegan Option: Make a vegan choux pastry and fill with coconut whipped cream and strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Why did my cream puffs deflate?
This often happens if the oven door is opened during baking or if they were underbaked. Ensure they are golden and crisp before removing them from the oven.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can whip the cream and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Re-whip slightly if it softens before assembling.

Strawberry cream puffs are a classic dessert that’s easier to make than you might think! With their light pastry, luscious whipped cream, and sweet strawberries, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a special occasion or a treat just because, this recipe is sure to impress.

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