Description
Delightful Strawberry Cream Puffs featuring light and airy choux pastry filled with sweet vanilla whipped cream and fresh diced strawberries, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh mint for an elegant and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cream Puffs Dough
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1-2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted. Add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time using a hand or stand mixer, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth, shiny, and thick.
- Shape the Puffs: Using a spoon or piping bag, pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Aim for puffs about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Wet your finger and gently smooth the tops of the puffs.
- Bake the Cream Puffs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: Dice the fresh strawberries and place in a small bowl. If desired, mix with strawberry jam for added sweetness and flavor.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: When cream puffs are fully cooled, slice each in half. Pipe or spoon a generous amount of whipped cream onto the bottom half, then top with diced strawberries.
- Finish and Garnish: Place the top half of the cream puff back on. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an attractive presentation.
- Serve: Serve strawberry cream puffs immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream puffs are completely cooled before filling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- The optional strawberry jam enhances flavor but can be omitted for a fresher fruit taste.
- Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor; frozen strawberries may release too much liquid.
- Puff size can be adjusted, but keep spacing to allow even baking.
- Whip cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid butter formation.
