Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s as charming to look at as it is delicious to eat, these Strawberry Cream Puffs will absolutely steal your heart. Combining crisp, golden puff pastry with sweet whipped cream infused with white cocoa syrup and the bright, fresh tang of ripe strawberries, Strawberry Cream Puffs bring together a harmony of flavors and textures that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this recipe is simple enough to make at home yet impressive enough to wow anyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a critical role in creating perfect Strawberry Cream Puffs—bringing together flaky pastry, luscious cream, vibrant fruit, and just the right touch of sweetness.

• 400g Puff pastry: Provides the light, flaky structure that is the foundation of every cream puff and offers a buttery crunch.
• 100g Fresh Strawberries: Adds juicy freshness and natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the richness.
• 100ml Whipping cream (sweetened with a few tablespoons of icing sugar): Delivers that smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• 8 teaspoons Strawberry jam: Intensifies the fruity flavor inside, giving each bite a lovely burst of strawberry sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon White cocoa syrup @saveur_cestdelicieux: Adds a unique subtle cocoa note and silky richness to the whipped cream that’s simply irresistible.
• About 2 tablespoons Icing sugar for sprinkling: A light dusting that adds a delicate sweetness and makes the puffs look extra special.
• Melted chocolate for drizzling: Introduces a luscious, glossy finish that complements the strawberries beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Pastry

Begin with 400g of puff pastry, perfectly chilled for easy handling. Decide on your shape: cut hearts if you’re feeling romantic and want to use the full pastry, or rectangles if you prefer a classic look, in which case use half the pastry and save the off-cuts for another baking adventure. The fun part here is that you get to customize—the shapes set the mood for your Strawberry Cream Puffs.

Step 2: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of your cut pastry shapes with a simple egg wash. This step is key—it enhances the golden color and gives that lovely sheen we all expect from puff pastry. Then, bake until puffed up and beautifully golden. The aroma alone will have your kitchen feeling like a cozy patisserie!

Step 3: Slice and Layer

Once your pastry shapes have cooled just enough to handle, carefully slice each heart or rectangle horizontally to create a top and bottom. This is where the magic layers begin—starting with a teaspoon of strawberry jam spread on the bottom half to inject concentrated fruit flavor.

Step 4: Whip and Fill

Whip your cream sweetened with icing sugar, then blend in the white cocoa syrup for an extraordinary creamy filling that holds its shape when piped. Pipe this luscious cream over the jam layer—it’s the glorious centerpiece of your Strawberry Cream Puffs.

Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberries and Assemble

Generously top the cream with freshly sliced strawberries, lending freshness and a burst of natural sweetness. Carefully place the top piece of pastry over your creation to seal in all those wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Finally, dust your puffs with icing sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate for that irresistible gourmet look and taste. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors, from buttery crunch to silky cream and juicy strawberries.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Puffs

Garnishes

Sprinkling extra icing sugar right before serving adds an elegant snowy touch, while a drizzle of dark or white chocolate makes the presentation pop. Fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves can also enhance both the look and taste, delivering a fresh aroma and vibrant color.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cream Puffs shine on their own but pairing them with a cup of rich coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé elevates the experience. A simple mixed berry salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can balance the creaminess for a well-rounded dessert indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Strawberry Cream Puffs into a croquembouche tower for an eye-catching centerpiece or serve them on individual plates with a drizzle of strawberry coulis around the edges. You could even hollow out some fresh strawberries and pipe cream inside for mini versions—perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Strawberry Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the toppings like icing sugar and chocolate drizzle separate to avoid sogginess. Consume within 1-2 days for the freshest taste and best texture.

Freezing

While puff pastry is best fresh, you can freeze baked pastry shells before filling. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw completely and fill with freshly whipped cream and strawberries for the best results.

Reheating

To enjoy warm puff pastry, reheat unfilled shells in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for around 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid reheating filled puffs to prevent melting the cream and strawberries—enjoy those chilled!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and brightness, but if you only have frozen on hand, thaw them fully and drain excess juice before use to prevent sogginess in your Strawberry Cream Puffs.

Is there a substitute for white cocoa syrup?

If you can’t find white cocoa syrup, you can use vanilla extract for a sweet, aromatic twist, though it won’t have the same cocoa richness. Alternatively, a touch of white chocolate melted into the cream adds a lovely flavor.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes! Whipped cream can be prepared a few hours before assembling, but keep it refrigerated and give it a quick re-whip if needed to maintain that perfect piping texture for your Strawberry Cream Puffs.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry is essential for that light, flaky texture, but as a backup, you could try using choux pastry. However, this will give you a different texture and taste, and you’ll need to adjust baking times accordingly.

How do I prevent the cream from making the pastry soggy?

To keep the pastry crisp, spread the jam first—it acts as a moisture barrier—and add the whipped cream just before serving. Also, assemble the Strawberry Cream Puffs as close to serving time as possible for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cream Puffs are truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Their perfect blend of flaky pastry, sweet cream, and juicy strawberries offers a moment of pure indulgence that turns any day into a special occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making these treats yourself—they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy tears to the table!

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