Fluffy Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe: Homemade Bakery Magic

Sweet memories come alive with these delightful strawberry cream puffs that capture summer’s essence perfectly.

Light, airy pastry shells whisper promises of delectable moments ahead.

Crisp edges and delicate interiors create a canvas for luscious strawberry magic.

Pastry chefs and home bakers alike adore these elegant treats that seem to float between dessert and dream.

Creamy fillings burst with fresh strawberry notes, making each bite a celebration of simplicity and flavor.

Delicate powdered sugar dusting adds a final touch of whimsy to these irresistible confections.

You won’t be able to resist the charm of these heavenly little pastries that bring joy to every table.

The Key Ingredients for These Light Treats

• Water, Milk: Provides moisture and helps create the pastry's light, airy texture. Whole milk works best for richness.
• Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a tender, flaky pastry. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structural base of the pastry. High-quality flour ensures better texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the pastry rise and hold its shape. Use large, room temperature eggs.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy base for the filling. Make sure it's cold for best whipping results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped cream. Sifted for smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor. Pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and fruity flavor. Choose ripe, bright red berries.

• Powdered Sugar, Chocolate: Optional decorative elements for added visual appeal and extra flavor. Dark or milk chocolate work well for drizzling.

How to Make the Puffs and Fill Them Just Right

Step 1: Craft Delicate Choux Pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

In a saucepan, bring water, milk, butter, and salt to a rolling boil. Once bubbling, remove from heat and dump in the flour all at once. Stir like crazy until the mixture transforms into a smooth ball that pulls away from the pan’s sides.

Return the pan to low heat, stirring constantly for 12 minutes to remove extra moisture. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool down for 5 minutes.

Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should look glossy and feel silky.

Using a spoon or piping bag, create 2-inch mounds on the baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep that oven door closed! The puffs should emerge golden and puffy. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Whip Up Strawberry Cream

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the mixture forms stiff, dreamy peaks.

Gently fold in diced strawberries. Tuck the cream into the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 3: Build Heavenly Cream Puffs

Slice each cooled pastry in half horizontally.

Fill the bottom halves generously with the strawberry cream.

Crown each puff with its top half.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Dust the cream puffs with a snowfall of powdered sugar.

For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.

Serve immediately and watch eyes light up with pure delight!

Tips for Piping and Serving Like a Pro

• Master the Choux Pastry: Ensure the dough is smooth and glossy by mixing eggs thoroughly, one at a time, creating the perfect light and airy texture.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Chill your mixing bowl beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and achieve those perfect stiff peaks with minimal effort.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Let choux pastry cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup that could make the shells soft.
• Customize Your Filling: Swap fresh strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches for a delightful flavor variation that keeps the dessert exciting.
• Make Ahead and Store Smart: Prepare choux pastry shells a day in advance and store in an airtight container, filling them just before serving to maintain optimal crunchiness.

Storing Cream Puffs Without Getting Soggy

• Refrigerate cream puffs in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Keep them chilled to preserve the delicate whipped cream and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the pastry's crisp exterior.
• Never store at room temperature due to the fresh cream filling.
• Freeze unfilled choux pastry shells for up to one month in a sealed freezer bag, allowing you to prepare components in advance.
• Thaw shells at room temperature before filling to maintain their light, airy texture.
• When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar just before presenting to ensure a beautiful, fresh appearance.

Delightful Pairings for Creamy Puffs

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Complement the delicate strawberry cream puffs with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé wine. The light bubbles and fruity notes will enhance the sweetness of the pastry and fresh strawberries.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture creates a delightful contrast with the crisp choux pastry and provides an extra layer of indulgence.
• Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant cup of lavender Earl Grey tea to balance the richness of the cream puffs. The floral and citrusy notes will cleanse the palate and add an elegant touch to the dessert experience.
• Accompany with Fresh Mint Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on the plate. The herb's bright, cooling flavor will cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing element to each delectable bite.

Ways to Switch Up Filling Flavors

• Berry Bliss Cream Puffs: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, multi-berry filling that bursts with summer flavor.
• Chocolate Decadence Cream Puffs: Incorporate cocoa powder into the choux pastry dough and add chocolate ganache between layers for an indulgent chocolate experience.
• Tropical Paradise Cream Puffs: Replace strawberries with diced mango and passion fruit, adding a bright, exotic twist to the classic cream puff recipe.
• Lavender Honey Cream Puffs: Infuse the cream filling with lavender extract and drizzle honey on top for a sophisticated, aromatic dessert that feels like a gourmet treat.

Cream Puff Questions with Sweet Answers

• What makes choux pastry different from other pastry doughs?

Choux pastry is unique because it’s made by cooking flour in liquid and butter, then adding eggs, which creates a high-moisture dough that puffs up dramatically when baked, creating hollow centers perfect for filling.

• Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the choux pastry shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just fill them shortly before serving to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.

• How do I know my choux pastry is mixed correctly?

The dough should look smooth, shiny, and form a slight “V” shape when you lift the mixing spoon. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but not too stiff.

• Why is it important not to open the oven while baking choux pastry?

Opening the oven can cause temperature fluctuations that prevent the pastry from rising properly and developing its signature puffy texture. The consistent heat helps create the perfect rise and golden color.

Why Strawberry Cream Puffs Feel So Luxurious

• Master a Classic French Pastry: Strawberry cream puffs offer a delightful culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert, perfect for bakers looking to expand their skills.
• Quick and Impressive Weekend Treat: These cream puffs come together in under an hour, making them an excellent option for weekend baking projects that wow family and guests without consuming entire days.
• Customize with Endless Variations: The versatile recipe allows creative twists like switching strawberries for other fruits, experimenting with chocolate drizzles, or adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking Challenge: Despite seeming complex, the step-by-step choux pastry technique is straightforward enough for home bakers with basic cooking skills to successfully master and enjoy.

Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Delicate French strawberry cream puffs bring elegance to dessert tables with their airy choux pastry and luscious strawberry cream filling. Sweet memories of Paris swirl in each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter

Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (75 g) fresh strawberries, finely diced
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Melted chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Craft the delicate choux pastry foundation by heating water, milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan until boiling, creating a bubbling base for your delightful treat.
2. Remove the liquid mixture from heat and swiftly incorporate flour, stirring energetically until the dough transforms into a cohesive, smooth ball that pulls away from the pan’s edges.
3. Return the dough to low heat, continuously stirring to eliminate excess moisture and develop a robust texture that will support the cream puffs’ structure.
4. Transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool momentarily, ensuring optimal temperature for egg incorporation.
5. Gradually introduce eggs into the mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a silky, glossy consistency that will yield perfectly light pastry shells.
6. Carefully pipe or spoon the prepared dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming uniform circular mounds with precise spacing to allow proper expansion.
7. Bake the pastry shells in a preheated oven, maintaining a consistent temperature until they transform into golden, puffy vessels with a crisp exterior and hollow interior.
8. Allow the baked shells to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they develop the ideal texture for filling.
9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl, creating a light and airy base for the strawberry cream filling.
10. Gently fold diced strawberries into the whipped cream, distributing the fruit evenly and creating a vibrant, fresh filling.
11. Carefully slice the cooled pastry shells horizontally, preparing them for the luscious strawberry cream.
12. Generously pipe or spoon the strawberry cream into the bottom halves of the shells, ensuring a decadent filling.
13. Delicately replace the top halves of the pastry shells, creating elegant cream puffs that showcase the harmonious blend of textures.
14. Provide a final flourish by dusting the assembled cream puffs with a light veil of powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate for an exquisite presentation.

Notes

• Ensure water and butter are fully melted before adding flour to create a smooth, lump-free choux pastry base.
• Keep stirring the dough constantly when cooking to prevent burning and achieve the right consistency.
• Use room temperature eggs to help them incorporate more easily into the pastry dough.
• Pipe dough in uniform sizes for even baking and consistent cream puff shapes.
• Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent pastry from deflating and losing its signature puffy texture.
• Whip cream when it’s very cold to get the most stable and fluffy cream filling.
• Fold strawberries gently to maintain the cream’s light texture and prevent crushing.
• Assemble cream puffs just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and prevent sogginess.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
• Experiment with different fruit fillings like raspberries or peaches for variety.
• Make ahead and store unfilled pastry shells in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• Freeze cream puffs without filling for up to a month for quick dessert preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg