Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

Imagine biting into a delicate puff of pastry, its shell crisp and golden, hiding a fluffy cloud of sweetened cream, tangy strawberry jam, and slices of juicy fresh fruit. Strawberry Cream Puffs are an irresistible treat that look as spectacular as they taste, perfect for celebrations or for turning any ordinary afternoon into something a little magical. Whether you choose to cut the pastry into hearts for extra whimsy or opt for classic rectangles, these puffs will quickly become a favorite—one you’ll crave to share, but secretly want to keep all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Strawberry Cream Puffs is a joyous assembly of just a few key ingredients—each one plays a starring role, from the buttery pastry that forms the shell, to the luxurious cream and bright strawberries tucked inside. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little wisdom for each component:

• Puff pastry (400g): The flaky, buttery layers are the backbone of this dessert; use a good-quality store-bought version for simplicity or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Fresh strawberries (100g): Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the brightest flavor; slice them just before assembling so they’re juicy and fresh.
• Whipping cream (100ml, sweetened with icing sugar): Whip until soft peaks form; don’t overbeat or it’ll lose its silky smoothness.
• Strawberry jam (8 teaspoons): A teaspoon in each puff adds both sweetness and a punch of strawberry flavor—homemade or your favorite jarred brand works beautifully.
• White cocoa syrup (1 tablespoon): This luscious addition gives the cream an extra dimension of flavor and a subtle richness; vanilla syrup could also work here.
• Icing sugar (about 2 tablespoons for sprinkling): The finishing touch, sifted over the top for a classic pastry shop look.
• Melted chocolate (for drizzling): Just a hint of rich chocolate adds a lovely contrast—dark or milk chocolate are both divine choices.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushing your pastry with egg wash gets you that perfect, golden shine as it bakes.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Pastry

Begin by rolling out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. For a show-stopping touch, use a heart-shaped cutter, or stick to elegant rectangles—either shape works perfectly. If you’re using rectangles, only use half the pastry and save the rest for another treat. The off-cuts can also be tucked away for pie bases later. Arrange your cut pastry shapes onto a lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up in the oven.

Step 2: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of each pastry piece with a well-beaten egg, making sure to coat them evenly. This step is your secret to that irresistible golden sheen. Pop the tray into a preheated oven (around 200°C/400°F) and bake until the pastries are beautifully puffed and deeply golden, usually about 12-15 minutes. Set them aside to cool on a rack so the steam can escape and the shells stay crisp.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

While the pastry bakes and cools, pour cold whipping cream into a chilled bowl. Add a few tablespoons of icing sugar to sweeten and a tablespoon of white cocoa syrup for an extra flavor boost. Whip the mixture with a mixer or by hand until soft peaks form—light and fluffy, but still silky. Set aside in the fridge if you’re not ready to assemble right away.

Step 4: Slice and Fill the Pastry

When the pastry is cool enough to handle, carefully slice each piece in half horizontally, creating a “top” and “bottom.” Spread a teaspoon of good strawberry jam onto the inside base. Then pipe or spoon a generous swirl of the sweetened cream over the jam. Arrange slices of fresh strawberries on top—the more, the merrier!

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Gently place the pastry “lid” back on top to complete each puff. Now comes the fun: sift icing sugar lavishly over the tops, then finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate for that elegant final flourish. Serve at once—though a stolen puff before sharing is always encouraged!

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs

Garnishes

Presentation is half the magic! A little sprinkle of icing sugar just before serving gives your Strawberry Cream Puffs that classic patisserie vibe. For an extra flourish, drizzle with melted chocolate in artful zigzags—kids and adults alike will be so impressed. Top each puff with a tiny whole strawberry or a mint leaf for that pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cream Puffs with a refreshing cup of mint tea or a flute of sparkling wine for grown-up gatherings. They’re also wonderful alongside fresh fruit salads or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your puffs in a tower on a pretty cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy dessert. For special occasions, use different cookie cutters to make themed shapes—the hearts are adorable for Valentine’s, but stars or circles would feel festive for any event. Individual cupcake wrappers can make serving a breeze at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Cream Puffs (which is rare, let’s be honest), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shells may soften a bit over time, but they’ll still be delicious for 1 to 2 days. To help keep them crisp, store the pastry shells and filling separately and assemble just before eating.

Freezing

It’s possible to freeze unfilled, baked puff pastry shells for up to one month. Just let them cool completely and pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a warm oven before filling. Filled Strawberry Cream Puffs don’t freeze well due to the fresh cream and strawberries—so savor those fresh!

Reheating

If your shells have lost some of their crispness, pop them in a hot oven (about 180°C/350°F) for a few minutes. This will revive their flaky texture before you add the creamy filling and strawberries. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry tough and soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of whipping my own?

Absolutely! While homemade whipped cream has the best flavor and texture, in a pinch, store-bought whipped cream or even stabilized whipped toppings work just fine for Strawberry Cream Puffs.

What can I use instead of white cocoa syrup?

If you don’t have white cocoa syrup, you can use a splash of vanilla extract or even a touch of melted white chocolate in the cream for a similar sweet depth.

Can I prepare Strawberry Cream Puffs in advance?

You can bake and slice the pastry shells a day ahead and store them, but it’s best to fill and assemble just before serving so the pastry stays crisp and the strawberries fresh.

What’s the best way to cut the pastry shapes?

Use a cookie cutter for fun shapes like hearts or stars, or simply cut rectangles with a sharp knife. Dip the cutter or knife in a little flour if the pastry sticks, and try to cut in one clean motion for the flakiest results.

Do I need to use strawberry jam, or can I substitute another flavor?

Strawberry jam is classic, but feel free to play with other preserves like raspberry or apricot—whatever flavor you love with strawberries will be wonderful in Strawberry Cream Puffs!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing friends and family together with a plate of Strawberry Cream Puffs—especially when you’ve made them yourself. They’re sweet, elegant, and surprisingly easy to whip up, even for a weeknight treat. I hope you’ll give this delightful recipe a try and let it become part of your special moments, big or small!

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