Heavenly Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe for Sweet Dreamers

Sweet memories of my grandmother’s kitchen dance around these delicate strawberry cream puffs that always spark culinary joy.

Pastry skills become magical when light choux dough meets creamy filling.

Classic French techniques merge with summer’s most beloved fruit in this elegant dessert.

Delicate shells crisp up perfectly, waiting to be filled with luscious strawberry-infused cream.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between airy pastry and smooth, rich filling.

Pillowy textures and bright fruity notes make this recipe a perfect treat for afternoon tea or special celebrations.

You’ll want to impress everyone with these stunning little confections that look like they came straight from a professional patisserie.

Why Strawberry Cream Puffs Are a Crowd Favorite

• Prepare these delightful desserts in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Adaptable for various occasions from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, these cream puffs always impress with their light, airy texture and vibrant strawberry filling.
• Easily personalize the recipe by experimenting with different fruit fillings or adding chocolate drizzle, allowing your culinary imagination to shine through this classic French-inspired dessert.

What You Need for Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Water, Milk, Butter, Salt: Essential base for creating light, airy pastry shell with rich flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps dough form into perfect puff shape. Opt for fresh, unbleached flour.

• Eggs: Provide richness, structure, and help puffs rise beautifully. Use large, room temperature eggs for best results.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious filling with pure dairy richness. Choose high-fat content cream.
• Strawberries: Adds fresh, sweet flavor and beautiful color to cream filling. Select ripe, deep red berries.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens cream and helps stabilize whipped texture. Fresh, clump-free sugar recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, classic notes. Pure vanilla provides best taste.

How to Prepare Strawberry Cream Puffs at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C). Lay out a pristine parchment paper on your baking sheet, creating a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Create the Magical Choux Paste Base

• Water
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt

Bring this delightful mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, watching it bubble and dance.

Step 3: Transform the Liquid into Dough

Yank the pan off the heat and dump in the flour all at once. Whisk like a culinary ninja, mixing furiously until the dough magically pulls away from the pan’s sides, forming a gorgeous ball.

Step 4: Dry Out the Dough

Return the pan to low heat. Cook the dough for 12 minutes, stirring non-stop to eliminate any lingering moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect puffy texture.

Step 5: Cool Down the Dough

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it chill and cool down for 5 minutes- patience is key!

Step 6: Add Egg Magic

Introduce eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Watch the dough transform into a smooth, glossy masterpiece that looks almost too good to be true.

Step 7: Shape Your Cream Puffs

Using a spoon or piping bag, dollop 2-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them generously, giving each puff room to expand and become magnificent.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the puffs are puffed up and golden brown. Resist the urge to peek- keep that oven door closed!

Step 9: Cool and Crisp

Remove from the oven and let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll become crisp, light, and absolutely irresistible.

Tips to Make Light Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Master Moisture Control: Stir the dough vigorously to remove excess water, ensuring your cream puffs have a light, airy texture without becoming soggy.
• Egg Integration Technique: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy dough that will result in perfectly risen pastry shells.
• Baking Precision: Keep the oven door closed during baking to maintain consistent heat, which helps cream puffs rise evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Temperature Timing: Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
• Spacing Matters: Pipe or spoon dough mounds with adequate space between them, allowing each cream puff to expand and brown uniformly without sticking together.

Storing Strawberry Cream Puffs the Smart Way

• Store cooled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual cream puffs separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month without filling. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm cream puffs in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the pastry soggy.
• For maximum freshness, fill cream puffs with strawberry cream just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soft.

What to Pair with Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Pair these delicate cream puffs with a chilled, light Moscato d'Asti for a harmonious strawberry-infused dessert experience that enhances the sweet and fruity notes.
• Complement the cream puffs by serving alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Elevate the dessert with a crisp, dry champagne that cuts through the richness and highlights the strawberry's bright, fresh flavor profile.
• Serve with a fragrant lavender Earl Grey tea to add a sophisticated herbal undertone that beautifully balances the cream puff's sweetness.

Different Ways to Fill Strawberry Cream Puffs

• Gluten-Free Cream Puffs: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Adjust liquid ratios to maintain proper dough consistency.
• Vegan Strawberry Cream Puffs: Substitute eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs. Use plant-based butter and coconut cream for filling. Choose vegan-friendly strawberry preserves.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use fresh strawberries instead of sweet filling. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cream Puffs: Add cocoa powder to choux pastry dough. Incorporate dark chocolate chips into cream filling. Garnish with chocolate-dipped strawberry slices for extra richness.

FAQs for Strawberry Cream Puffs

• What ingredients do I need for the cream puffs?

You’ll need water, milk, butter, salt, flour, and eggs for the choux pastry. The main ingredients create a light, airy pastry shell that’s perfect for filling.

• How difficult is this recipe for a beginner?

The recipe requires some technique but is manageable for intermediate home bakers. The key is mixing the dough thoroughly and following each step carefully to achieve the right texture.

• Why do I need to mix the dough vigorously when adding flour?

Vigorous mixing helps develop gluten and creates a smooth, elastic dough that will rise properly and form the signature puffy texture of cream puffs.

• What's the most important tip for making perfect cream puffs?

Don’t open the oven during baking, as this can cause the puffs to deflate. Consistent heat is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and golden brown color.

Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate Strawberry Cream Puffs invite sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts into a world of French-inspired pastry magic. Crisp choux pastry shells filled with luscious strawberry cream promise an elegant finale to any culinary adventure you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

Cream and Fruit Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (75 g) fresh strawberries, finely diced

Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Melted chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and lay out a parchment-lined baking sheet for the cream puff foundation.
2. In a saucepan, amalgamate water, milk, butter, and salt, bringing the liquid mixture to a rolling boil over medium flame.
3. Instantly remove from heat and incorporate flour vigorously, stirring until the mixture transforms into a cohesive dough ball that separates from the pan’s sides.
4. Return the pan to low heat, continuously stirring the dough for 12 minutes to eliminate residual moisture and achieve optimal texture.
5. Carefully transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl, allowing it to rest and cool for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly integrating each until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform, creating a smooth pastry base.
7. Employ a spoon or piping bag to carefully distribute the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 2-inch circular mounds with strategic spacing.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the cream puffs to bake undisturbed for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden, puffy appearance.
9. Remove from the oven and permit the cream puffs to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring a crisp exterior and delicate interior.

Notes

• Ensure water, milk, and butter are precisely measured for the perfect choux pastry consistency.
• Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly, creating a silkier pastry dough that rises evenly.
• Constant stirring prevents flour from burning and ensures a smooth, lump-free texture when mixing ingredients.
• Resist opening the oven during baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause cream puffs to deflate or become soggy.
• Use a piping bag for uniform size and professional-looking cream puffs that bake consistently.
• For gluten-free variation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free pastry flour blend.
• Cool cream puffs completely before filling to prevent soggy shells and maintain crisp texture.
• Store unfilled shells in an airtight container to preserve crunchiness for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 221
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg