Ever dreamed of biting into a cloud of creamy, fruity bliss? These Strawberry Cream Puffs are your answer! Delicate, airy puffs filled with luscious pastry cream, fresh strawberries, and a fluffy whipped cream topping – they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
- Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
- Impressive Presentation: These cream puffs look like they came straight from a patisserie.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors is irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From afternoon tea to celebratory desserts, these cream puffs fit the bill.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepared in advance, simplifying assembly.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the fillings and toppings to your taste preferences.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients Needed
For the Cream Puffs:
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, (1 stick)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Pastry Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
When selecting your strawberries, opt for bright red, fragrant berries that are firm to the touch. These will offer the best flavor and texture for your filling. For the butter, ensure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the cream puffs.
YOU MIGHT LOVE: Strawberry Crunch Cookies – A delightful, crunchy treat for strawberry lovers!
Essential Equipment List
- Baking Sheet: To bake the cream puffs evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Saucepan: For making the cream puff dough and pastry cream.
- Whisk: Essential for a smooth pastry cream and whipped cream.
- Mixing Bowls: To prep each components.
- Electric Mixer: To achieve perfect whipped cream.
- Piping Bag with Large Round Tip: To pipe the cream puff dough neatly.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the baked cream puffs.
While a piping bag is ideal, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off as an alternative. A stand mixer can also be used for the whipped cream if you have one.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Servings: 12 cream puffs
- Difficulty: Medium
Scale this Strawberry Cream Puffs recipe up for parties or down for a smaller gathering. The individual components are forgiving and easy to adjust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Cream Puffs:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the puffs from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Dough Base
In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts completely.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Remove from heat and quickly add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Step 4: Cool the Dough
Let the dough cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but still pipeable. If the dough appears curdled, continue beating; it will come together.
Step 6: Pipe the Puffs
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, leaving space between each puff.
Step 7: Bake the Puffs
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
Step 8: Cool Slowly
Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon. Let the puffs cool in the oven for 30 minutes to prevent them from collapsing. Then, transfer the puffs to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Pastry Cream:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Pastry Cream
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
For the Strawberry Filling:
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Assembly:
- Cut the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally.
- Fill the bottom half of each puff with pastry cream.
- Top with the strawberry filling.
- Dollop or pipe whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
- Place the top half of the cream puff on top of the whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
CHECK OUT: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Almonds and Balsamic – A refreshing and healthy complement!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Open the Oven: Resist the urge to peek while baking the cream puffs! Opening the oven can cause them to deflate.
- Cool Properly: Cooling the puffs slowly in the oven helps them maintain their shape.
- Chill the Pastry Cream: Make sure the pastry cream is thoroughly chilled before filling the puffs.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries offer the best flavor for the filling.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Overwhipped cream can become grainy. Stop beating when stiff peaks form.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Fruit: Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for the strawberries.
- Chocolate Pastry Cream: Add melted chocolate to the pastry cream for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Whipped Cream: Zest a lemon into the whipped cream for a bright flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the cream puffs.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives, but the texture may vary.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Strawberry Cream Puffs
These Strawberry Cream Puffs are delightful on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate the experience:
- Serve with a cup of herbal tea or coffee.
- Pair with a sparkling lemonade or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- Offer a selection of fresh berries alongside the cream puffs.
- Arrange on a tiered serving platter for an elegant presentation.
Health Benefits
While Strawberry Cream Puffs are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits.
- Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Milk provides calcium and vitamin D.
- Eggs offer protein and essential amino acids.
Remember, moderation is key to enjoying this delicious dessert as part of a balanced diet.
Storage & Reheating
For best results, store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours to prevent the puffs from becoming soggy.
Reheating is not recommended, as the cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can refresh slightly softened puffs by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent Soggy Cream Puffs?
Ensure the cream puffs are completely cooled before filling them. Fill them just before serving to prevent the moisture from the fillings from softening the puffs.
Can I Make the Cream Puffs Ahead of Time?
Yes! The cream puffs can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I Freeze the Cream Puffs?
Yes, baked and cooled cream puffs can be frozen. Store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can be used, but the texture may vary slightly.
What If My Dough Is Too Thick?
If your dough is too thick after adding the eggs, beat in a small amount of milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
What If My Puffs Don’t Puff Up?
Ensure your oven is hot enough and resist the urge to open the door during baking. Also, make sure your dough is the right consistency – not too wet or too dry.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Please Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Other Dishes You’ll Adore
Craving more strawberry goodness and delightful desserts? Try these recipes!
- Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake – A rich, decadent cake with a hidden layer of cream cheese and strawberry swirls.
- Strawberry Crunch Cookies – Crispy, buttery cookies with a sweet strawberry coating.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Almonds and Balsamic – A refreshing and healthy salad with a vibrant strawberry vinaigrette.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful combination of light, airy pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit – perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. Don’t wait, bake these little clouds of joy today, and share your creations with us!
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Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos: Creamy filling, crunchy topping in a crispy taco shell! Perfect for parties and fun family desserts.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 cup Golden Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Gently fold in whipped cream. Set aside.
- Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping: Combine crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. Add melted butter and mix.
- Prepare the Taco Shells: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry each tortilla for 30 seconds per side. Fold into taco shells.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each taco shell with cheesecake filling. Sprinkle with strawberry crunch topping. Garnish with sliced strawberries.
- Serve immediately or chill.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Filling and topping can be prepared in advance.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: strawberry crunch, cheesecake tacos, dessert, easy dessert, no bake dessert, strawberry dessert, taco recipe
