Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home are a classic dessert that feels elegant yet approachable. In the very first bite, you get crisp, airy pastry filled with lightly sweet whipped cream and juicy strawberries. This recipe is perfect when you want a homemade dessert that looks impressive but relies on basic ingredients and clear steps. Whether you are baking for guests, a celebration, or a weekend treat, these strawberry cream puffs deliver fresh flavor and beautiful results.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Recipe
There is something timeless about cream puffs, especially when paired with fresh strawberries. This version keeps things simple and rewarding.
- The choux pastry is light and crisp, not heavy
- The filling is fresh, creamy, and not overly sweet
- Strawberries add natural sweetness and color
- The recipe uses pantry staples
- Perfect for spring, summer, or special occasions
Once you master this recipe, you can easily adapt it with other fruits or fillings.
Ingredients for Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home
This dessert comes together with just a handful of classic baking ingredients.
Choux Pastry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for choux pastry structure and rise.
- Cream: Heavy cream whips best for a stable filling.
- Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and coconut whipped cream.
- Lower sugar: Reduce powdered sugar slightly without affecting texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Take your time with each step and you will be rewarded with perfect cream puffs.
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Remove the pan from heat and 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.
Return the pan to low heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to dry out the dough slightly.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Spoon or pipe the dough into small mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven during baking.
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the puffs inside with the door slightly open for 5 minutes to help prevent collapse.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Step 6: Fill the Cream Puffs
Slice the cooled cream puffs in half or poke a small hole in the bottom.
Fill with whipped cream and top with sliced strawberries. Replace the tops gently.
Step 7: Serve Fresh
Serve immediately or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Measure ingredients carefully for choux pastry.
- Add eggs slowly to avoid runny dough.
- Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking.
- Let puffs cool completely before filling.
- Assemble close to serving time for best texture.
Flavor Variations
Try these ideas once you are comfortable with the base recipe.
- Chocolate drizzle over the tops
- Mixed berry filling instead of strawberries
- Lemon zest added to whipped cream
- Vanilla pastry cream instead of whipped cream
- Mini cream puffs for party platters
Serving Suggestions
Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home are perfect for:
- Afternoon tea or brunch
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Summer gatherings
- Holiday dessert tables
- Light endings to rich meals
Arrange them on a platter with extra strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Unfilled puffs: Store at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Filled puffs: Best enjoyed the same day.
- Freezing: Freeze baked, unfilled puffs for up to 1 month. Thaw and crisp briefly in the oven before filling.
Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs
Description
Light, crisp cream puffs filled with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, made easily at home with simple ingredients and classic technique.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat water, butter, and salt in a saucepan until butter melts and mixture boils.
- Remove from heat, add flour, and stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Return to low heat and cook briefly while stirring to dry the dough.
- Let dough cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or pipe dough onto baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden.
- Cool puffs completely before filling.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Slice or poke puffs and fill with whipped cream and strawberries.
- Serve fresh or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Notes
Do not open the oven while baking. Fill the cream puffs close to serving time for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~18 g |
| Fat | ~17 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~110 mg |
Values are approximate and vary by ingredient brand.
FAQ About Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
This usually happens if the dough is too wet or the oven temperature is too low. Accurate measurements and proper baking heat are essential.
Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
You can bake the puffs ahead of time, but fill them shortly before serving to keep them crisp.
Do I need a piping bag?
No, a spoon works fine, though piping gives a more uniform look.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best. Frozen berries release too much liquid when thawed.
How do I keep cream puffs crisp?
Allow them to cool fully and avoid filling until close to serving time.
Final Thoughts
Simple Strawberry Cream Puffs Made Fresh at Home prove that bakery-style desserts are absolutely possible in your own kitchen. With crisp pastry, fluffy cream, and fresh strawberries, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Once you make them once, you will find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.