Name: Strawberry Cream Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486859H3M14S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These strawberry cream puffs are the ultimate sweet bite, featuring perfectly baked puff pastry shells filled with rich, velvety cream and topped with juicy strawberries. The balance of creamy and fruity, with a hint of buttery pastry, makes them irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or simply want to enjoy a delicious treat at home, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

For the Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

For the Strawberry Topping:

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut the dough into circles of your desired size.
Place the circles of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the puff pastry according to package instructions (usually around 12–15 minutes) until they are golden brown and puffed.
While the pastry is baking, prepare the cream filling by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Once the puff pastry has cooled, cut each puff in half horizontally to create a top and bottom.
Spoon or pipe the cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff.
Top with sliced strawberries, then place the top halves of the puffs back on.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8–10 cream puffs, depending on the size you make them. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes 12–15 minutes. Total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream filling for a chocolate twist.
Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the cream filling for a citrusy punch.
Whipped Custard: Use a custard filling instead of whipped cream for a richer flavor.

Storage/reheating

These strawberry cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the pastry crisp, store the cream and strawberries separately from the puff shells and assemble just before serving. The puff pastry can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore some of its crispness.

FAQs

How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, store the puff pastry shells separately from the cream and strawberries. Assemble them just before serving.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Can I make the cream filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cream filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to whip it again lightly before using.

How do I make the cream filling smoother?

To achieve a smoother cream filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will help it blend more easily with the whipped cream.

Can I use a different fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! While strawberries are a classic choice, you can try raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different fruit topping.

How do I know when the puff pastry is fully cooked?

The puff pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. You can also insert a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked inside.

Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?

Yes, you can make puff pastry from scratch if you prefer, but store-bought puff pastry is a time-saving and perfectly acceptable option for this recipe.

How do I pipe the cream filling into the puffs?

You can use a piping bag with a large round tip to fill the puffs. Alternatively, you can simply spoon the cream into the center of each puff.

Can I freeze these cream puffs?

Yes, you can freeze the puff pastry shells once they have cooled. However, it’s best to freeze the shells and filling separately. Once ready to serve, thaw the pastry and fill them with the cream.

Can I make mini-sized cream puffs?

Yes, you can make smaller cream puffs by cutting the puff pastry into smaller circles. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller puffs will bake more quickly.

Conclusion

Strawberry cream puffs are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings while impressing guests with their elegance and flavor. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat to enjoy at home, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. With a crisp, buttery pastry shell, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.