Strawberry Cream Puffs

I’ve made light, airy choux pastry shells filled with sweet whipped cream and juicy strawberries. These Strawberry Cream Puffs are elegant, indulgent, and perfect for brunch, parties, or a delightful dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how golden, crisp choux shells contrast with the soft cream and fresh strawberries inside. Each bite brings the perfect balance of airy pastry, creamy filling, and bright fruity flavor. They’re also surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Water

• Unsalted butter

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Heavy cream

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and diced or sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil.

3. Remove from heat and stir in all-purpose flour until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.

4. Return to low heat and stir for 1–2 minutes to dry the dough slightly. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for a few minutes.

5. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, and forms a slight peak.

6. Spoon or pipe tablespoon-size rounds onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the puffs are golden and feel light. Turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door ajar for 10 minutes to dry out.

8. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

9. While shells cool, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in diced strawberries.

10. Slice the cooled puffs in half horizontally and pipe or spoon the strawberry cream into the bottoms. Replace the tops.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 cream puffs.

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Baking and drying time: 30–35 minutes

• Cooling time: 15–20 minutes

• Filling and assembly: 10 minutes

• Total time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over assembled puffs for an extra touch.

• Pastry cream filling: Swap whipped cream for vanilla pastry cream mixed with strawberries.

• Flavored cream: Fold in citrus zest (lemon or orange) or a splash of liqueur into the cream.

• Mini version: Pipe smaller rounds and bake for shorter time to make bite-size puffs.

• Crunchy topping (Craquelin): Add a thin sugar-butter dough on top before baking for a sweet, crackly shell.

Storage/reheating

I store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, I prefer to fill them just before serving. If shells soften, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes before filling.

FAQs

Can I prepare the choux shells ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the shells a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Then I fill them on the day I serve.

How do I prevent the puffs from collapsing?

I avoid opening the oven while baking and always finish with the oven door slightly ajar to dry them out—that helps prevent collapse and sogginess.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I recommend fresh strawberries for best texture. If I use frozen, I thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cream.

How do I make the cream less sweet?

I adjust the powdered sugar in the whipped cream to my taste, and sometimes reduce it by half if I prefer a lighter sweetness.

Can I freeze empty shells?

Absolutely. I freeze cooled, empty shells in a sealed bag. When I’m ready to use them, I let them thaw at room temperature and re-crisp them briefly in the oven before filling.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that combine crisp choux shells with luscious cream and fresh berries. I love their pretty presentation and the joy they bring to any occasion. Whether I’m serving them at a brunch or enjoying them as a special dessert, they always feel luxurious and satisfying. Give them a try—I’m sure they’ll become a treasured favorite!

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