Description
Delightfully airy and crisp choux pastry filled with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries, these strawberry cream puffs make an elegant and irresistible dessert. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Choux Pastry: In a medium saucepan, heat butter, water, and salt until boiling. Remove from heat, then quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Allow the dough to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Shape and Bake: Spoon or pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for expansion. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: Slice each cooled puff in half horizontally. Fill the bottom half with whipped cream and a layer of sliced strawberries. Replace the top half.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the assembled cream puffs with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Filled cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Refresh in the oven before filling.
- Customization: Swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 190 per serving (approx.)