Looking for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious? These Strawberry Cream Puffs are the perfect choice. With their delicate, airy shells and luscious strawberry cream filling, they make for an impressive treat whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet craving.
Ingredients:
For the Cream Puffs:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Garnish:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Make the Cream Puffs: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Add the flour all at once, stirring continuously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
Add the Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cream puffs for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. To ensure they dry out properly, turn off the oven and leave the puffs inside for 10 minutes with the door slightly ajar. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Strawberry Cream Filling: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries to create a luscious, strawberry-infused cream.
Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, slice them in half and fill each with the strawberry cream.
Garnish and Serve: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of light, airy pastry and rich, fruity cream.
Serving Tips:
Serve Fresh: Strawberry Cream Puffs are best enjoyed fresh, right after assembly. The cream filling can soften the puff’s delicate shell over time, so serving them soon after filling ensures they maintain their airy texture and crispness.
Presentation: For an elegant touch, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on top or a small mint leaf for added color and freshness.
Pairing Suggestions: These cream puffs pair beautifully with a light tea or coffee. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert buffet or as a special treat for a brunch or afternoon tea.
Storage Tips:
Short-Term Storage: If you need to store the cream puffs for a short period, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid refrigerating them as this can make the puffs soggy.
Freezing Cream Puffs: If you plan to make them in advance, you can freeze the unfilled cream puffs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw them at room temperature and re-crisp them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
Filling Storage: The strawberry cream filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. However, avoid filling the puffs until just before serving to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
Assembled Cream Puffs: If you have leftovers of already-filled cream puffs, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They are best eaten within 1 day as the cream can soften the pastry over time.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use frozen strawberries for the cream filling?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the cream filling. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping and folding them into the whipped cream. This helps avoid making the cream too watery and ensures a rich, creamy texture.
How can I prevent the cream puffs from getting soggy?
To prevent the cream puffs from getting soggy, avoid filling them until just before serving. If you need to store filled cream puffs, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and try to consume them within 1 day for the best texture. Also, ensure that the cream filling is not too runny.
Can I make the cream puffs and filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream puffs and the filling ahead of time. Freeze the unfilled cream puffs, and store the cream filling in the refrigerator. Assemble the cream puffs with the filling just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the cream puffs are fully baked?
The cream puffs are fully baked when they are golden brown and puffed up. To ensure they are dry inside, turn off the oven and leave the puffs inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes. This helps them dry out properly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Conclusion:
These Strawberry Cream Puffs are sure to be a hit at any gathering, with their perfect balance of sweetness and lightness. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture!
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Cream Puffs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the elegance of Strawberry Cream Puffs, where light, airy pastry meets a luscious strawberry cream filling. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence, these cream puffs are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor to the creamy filling, making each bite a decadent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cream Puffs:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Garnish:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cream Puffs: In a medium saucepan, bring butter, water, and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring until the dough forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add the Eggs: Mix in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and let puffs dry inside for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Strawberry Cream Filling: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: Slice cooled puffs in half and fill with strawberry cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, fill the cream puffs just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Unfilled cream puffs can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and re-crisp in the oven before filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cream puffs
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
