Have you ever indulged in a dessert that captures the essence of spring in every bite? Imagine light and airy pastry shells filled with velvety cream and fresh strawberries; that’s exactly what you get with strawberry cream puffs. These treats are not only visually stunning but also offer a delightful combination of textures: the crisp outer shell gives way to the soft, luscious filling, creating an experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
Strawberry cream puffs are perfect for various occasions—be it a birthday celebration, a summer picnic, or simply a sweet ending to a family dinner. The vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries meld beautifully with the creamy filling, ensuring each bite is nothing short of blissful. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these little delights promise to evoke joy and satisfaction. Get ready to elevate your dessert game by mastering this simple yet impressive recipe!
Why You’ll Love This strawberry cream puffs
- Delightful Flavor Combination: The pairing of fresh strawberries with rich cream creates a heavenly symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these pastries are surprisingly simple to prepare—perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether for special occasions or casual get-togethers, these strawberry cream puffs fit seamlessly into any event.
Asking For Ingredients?
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the choux pastry; ensure it’s sifted for lightness.
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor in the pastry.
Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs work best for mixing.
Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for making a luscious filling that whips up beautifully.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they should be hulled and sliced before use.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together!
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare the Choux Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter until boiling. Remove from heat and add flour all at once; stir until the mixture forms a ball.
Incorporate Eggs
Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Pipe the Pastry
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Allow cooling on wire racks.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar; continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in sliced strawberries.
Assemble Your Cream Puffs
Once cooled, cut each puff in half horizontally. Fill generously with strawberry whipped cream mixture before replacing the top half.
Transfer to plates and serve immediately for an exquisite finishing touch!
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Do Not Open Oven Door: Avoid opening the oven door while baking as it may cause your puffs to deflate.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries will enhance flavor; always choose ripe ones.
Chill Your Whipping Cream Bowl: Chilling your mixing bowl helps achieve better whipped cream consistency faster.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cream puffs is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a mix of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich cream.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the strawberry cream puffs for an indulgent treat.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these delightful pastries with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
FAQs
What are strawberry cream puffs made of?
Strawberry cream puffs are delightful pastries filled with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The base is typically made from choux pastry, which is light and airy. To create the filling, you whip heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks, then fold in fresh strawberries that have been sliced. This combination results in a sweet, creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy outer layer of the puff. You can also add vanilla extract or powdered sugar to enhance the flavor of the cream.
Can I make strawberry cream puffs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare strawberry cream puffs in advance, but it’s essential to store them correctly. Prepare the choux pastry and bake them ahead of time; they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For the best flavor and texture, fill them with whipped cream and strawberries just before serving. If filled too early, they may become soggy due to moisture absorption from the filling.
How do I enhance my strawberry cream puffs?
To enhance your strawberry cream puffs, consider adding a touch of flavor to your whipped cream. A few drops of vanilla extract or lemon zest can add depth. You might also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for added sweetness. Garnishing with mint leaves not only adds color but also a refreshing flavor that complements strawberries beautifully.
Are strawberry cream puffs suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Strawberry cream puffs are perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holiday celebrations. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser. You can even customize them by using different fillings like chocolate mousse or lemon curd while keeping the strawberry element intact for decoration on top.
Irresistible Strawberry Cream Puffs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of strawberry cream puffs, where light and airy choux pastry meets a luscious filling of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. These charming pastries are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to elegant gatherings. Each bite offers a heavenly combination of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter until boiling. Remove from heat; add flour and stir until a ball forms.
- Let cool slightly, then incorporate eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown; cool on wire racks.
- Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in strawberries.
- Cut cooled puffs in half horizontally, fill with strawberry cream, and replace tops.
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs for easier mixing.
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream for better results.
- For added flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or lemon zest to the whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 38mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
