Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Making strawberry cream puffs is like stepping into a little slice of heaven. The moment you pop one of these little beauties into your mouth, it’s pure bliss! The light, airy pastry filled with sweet cream and juicy strawberries is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made these for a summer picnic; I was so excited to share them with friends, and honestly, they disappeared faster than I could say “strawberry cream puff!”
There’s something so satisfying about combining the delicate choux pastry with that luscious whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It’s like a little party of flavors and textures in every bite! Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to whip them up again and again. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon!
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together. You’re going to love every step of the way!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Puffs
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance the flavors)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature helps with mixing)
- 1 cup heavy cream (the richer, the better for that dreamy filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for that sweet, silky cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (the star of the show, so pick the ripest ones!)
How to Prepare Strawberry Cream Puffs
Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and make some magic happen! This process is all about creating that perfect choux pastry and filling it with the most delicious cream and strawberries. Follow along, and I promise you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Preheat and Prepare the Dough
First things first, preheat that oven of yours to 400°F (200°C). This is super important to get the right puffiness! While that’s heating up, grab a saucepan and combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Bring it to a boil over medium heat—watch it closely so it doesn’t boil over, oops!
Once it’s bubbling away, add in 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Now, stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. It should look glossy and smooth. Don’t worry if your arm gets a workout; that’s just part of the fun!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This is crucial—if it’s too hot, the eggs will scramble when you add them. Once it’s slightly cooled, add in the 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. It’s like magic watching it transform!
Bake the Cream Puffs
Now, it’s time to get that dough onto a baking sheet. You can either spoon it in mounds or use a piping bag for a more polished look—either way works! Aim for about 12 puffs, spacing them a couple of inches apart. They’ll grow, trust me!
Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. They should be golden brown and puffed up beautifully! If you open the oven too soon, they might deflate, so resist the urge until they’re looking gorgeous. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Prepare the Filling
While those puffs are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy cream! In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. Yes, this is the moment where your patience pays off! You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but not too thick that it becomes butter.
Once your cream is whipped to perfection, gently fold in those 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries. This is where the magic truly happens—the sweetness of the strawberries combined with that rich cream is pure bliss!
Assemble the Strawberry Cream Puffs
Let’s bring it all together! Take each cooled cream puff and carefully cut them in half horizontally. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly even; it adds character! Spoon or pipe that luscious cream and strawberry mixture into the bottom half, then cap it off with the top half. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust with a little powdered sugar on top before serving.
And there you have it—your very own strawberry cream puffs, ready to impress! Trust me, when you serve these, everyone will be raving about how delicious they are, and you’ll be the star of the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re absolutely scrumptious! The combination of airy pastry, sweet cream, and fresh strawberries is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Easy to make! With just a few steps, you’ll be whipping up these delightful treats in no time, even if you’re a beginner.
- Perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a summer picnic, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cream puffs are sure to impress.
- Customizable! You can switch up the filling with other fruits or flavors, making them versatile for any taste preference.
- Visually stunning! These little beauties look as good as they taste, making them a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Fresh ingredients! Using ripe strawberries and homemade whipped cream elevates the taste, giving you that fresh, homemade feel.
- Fun to make! The process of creating the choux pastry and filling them is a delightful experience that you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Tips for Success with Strawberry Cream Puffs
Let’s make sure your strawberry cream puffs turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that can really help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cream puffs to the next level. Trust me, these little tips will make all the difference!
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your strawberries and cream can make or break this dessert. Fresh, ripe strawberries will give you that sweet, juicy burst that pairs beautifully with the cream!
- Room temperature eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This helps them incorporate better, giving you that lovely, smooth choux pastry.
- Don’t skip the cooling step: Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs. If it’s too hot, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs in your mixture, and nobody wants that!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cream puffs as they bake. They should be golden brown and puffed up. Opening the oven door too soon can cause them to collapse, so be patient!
- Whip the cream properly: When whipping your heavy cream, don’t overbeat it. You want stiff peaks, but if you go too far, you’ll end up with butter! Stop right when it holds its shape beautifully.
- Assemble right before serving: To keep your cream puffs from getting soggy, fill them just before you plan to serve them. This way, the pastry stays crisp, and you get the best texture!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can add a splash of almond extract or swap in different fruits for the filling. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Armed with these tips, you’re ready to make some truly amazing strawberry cream puffs. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if they don’t turn out exactly right the first time—just keep trying, and soon you’ll be a pro!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your delicious strawberry cream puffs can help you enjoy them even more! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (1 cream puff). Keep in mind, these are estimates, so they might vary a bit based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
So, while these cream puffs are a delightful indulgence, you can enjoy them knowing they’re not too heavy on the waistline! Plus, they’re made with fresh ingredients, so you get a wholesome treat in every bite. Enjoy responsibly, and don’t forget to share (or not, I won’t judge!).
FAQ About Strawberry Cream Puffs
Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend making the choux pastry too far in advance, as it’s best when fresh. However, you can prepare the baked cream puffs a few hours ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them right before serving for the best texture!
What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
Oh no! If your cream puffs don’t puff up, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you’ve cooked the dough long enough to form a proper ball and that your oven is preheated. Also, remember not to open the oven door too soon while they’re baking; that can cause them to deflate!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are definitely best for this recipe, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid, so you don’t make your cream puffs soggy!
How do I store leftover cream puffs?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as the pastry can get a bit soft over time.
Can I make these cream puffs gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just make sure it has a good balance of starches and flours to mimic the properties of regular flour!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delightful strawberry cream puffs, and now you’re wondering how to store those precious leftovers (if there are any!). Here’s the scoop on keeping them fresh and delicious!
First off, if you do have any puffs left, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them from drying out and help maintain that lovely texture. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two, as the cream can start to soften the pastry over time. But trust me, even a day later, they’re still pretty fantastic!
Now, about reheating—here’s a little tip: you don’t want to microwave them. That can make them soggy, and nobody wants that! Instead, if you want to enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to about 350°F (175°C). Place the cream puffs on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will help revive that crispiness while keeping the filling intact. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too hot!
And remember, if you’re filling them ahead of time, it’s best to fill them just before serving to keep that perfect texture. With these tips, you’ll enjoy those strawberry cream puffs just as much the next day as you did fresh out of the oven. Happy indulging!
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Strawberry Cream Puffs: 7 Sweet Blissful Bites to Enjoy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry cream puffs filled with sweet cream and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour and salt; stir until mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Spoon or pipe dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Cut puffs in half and fill with cream and strawberries.
Notes
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry cream puffs
