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These strawberry cream puffs make a lovely treat when you want something light yet indulgent. They combine flaky puff pastry with fresh strawberries and sweetened whipped cream, accented by a touch of strawberry jam and a drizzle of chocolate for that little extra wow. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a simple elegant dessert after dinner.
I first made these on a whim when strawberries were in season, and they quickly became a favorite dessert for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 400 grams puff pastry: Choose high quality frozen puff pastry for its layers and buttery flavor
- 100 grams fresh strawberries: Look for firm, ripe berries that are bright red and fragrant
- 100 milliliters whipping cream with a few tablespoons of icing sugar: Use fresh cream for best whipping results and adjust sweetness to taste
- 8 teaspoons strawberry jam: Adds concentrated berry flavor pick a jam with natural fruity flavors rather than overly sweetened ones
- 1 tablespoon white cocoa syrup: This adds a subtle chocolatey note without overpowering
- About 2 tablespoons icing sugar for dusting: Adds a delicate sweetness and an elegant finish
- Melted chocolate for drizzling: Good quality chocolate melts smoothly and tastes richer
Instructions
- Build The Base:
- Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions. Roll out the pastry thinly on a clean surface and cut it into your preferred shapes like squares or circles. Arrange the pieces on baking trays lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to puff properly.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Place the trays in the oven and bake until the pastry is evenly puffed and a beautiful golden color appears. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes but keep an eye on it as ovens vary. Avoid opening the oven door frequently since the sudden cool air can make puff pastry collapse.
- Cool Completely:
- Once baked, transfer the puff pastry pieces to a wire rack to cool fully. The filling will wilt or melt if added while the pastry is still warm.
- Prepare The Filling:
- While the pastry cools, whip the cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks form. Wash and thinly slice the strawberries to ensure they are easy to bite into.
- Assemble The Cream Puffs:
- Slice each puff pastry horizontally to create tops and bottoms. Spread a teaspoon of strawberry jam onto each bottom half. Add a generous layer of whipped cream over the jam, then arrange sliced strawberries on top. Drizzle white cocoa syrup carefully over the fruit. Place the top pastry half gently on the filling.
- Finish And Serve:
- Dust the filled cream puffs with icing sugar and drizzle melted chocolate over them for an attractive look and taste contrast. Serve immediately to maintain the puff pastry’s crispness and the cream’s texture.
My favorite part is the crisp, flaky pastry meeting the cool cream and juicy berries. These remind me of summer afternoons spent with family sharing stories and sweet bites.
Storage Tips
Store the puff pastries separately from the filling if you want to prepare ahead. Keep baked puff pastry in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge but be aware it will lose some crispness. Whipped cream and strawberries are best fresh but the filling can be made a few hours in advance and stored cold. Assemble the puffs just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap strawberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries for a twist in flavor. If white cocoa syrup is not available use a drizzle of regular chocolate or even a fruit coulis. For a dairy free version, try coconut cream for whipping and a non-dairy whipped topping.
Serving Ideas
Serve these cream puffs alongside a cup of black tea or a light sparkling wine for a celebratory feel. Fresh mint leaves add a nice refreshing note if placed on the plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed pistachios over the top just before serving.
These strawberry cream puffs offer a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that make them delightful yet simple to prepare. Enjoy the process and share them with friends or family who will surely appreciate this elegant dessert.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of pastry is best for cream puffs?
Flaky puff pastry is ideal as it puffs up nicely and provides a light, crisp texture to contrast the creamy filling.
- → How can I ensure the whipped cream holds its shape?
Chill your bowl and whisk before whipping, then beat the cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks form for a stable, airy texture.
- → Can I prepare the cream puffs ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and the cream fresh, as moisture can soften the puff pastry over time.
- → What is the role of white cocoa syrup in this dessert?
White cocoa syrup adds a subtle, creamy sweetness and a touch of sophistication when drizzled over the strawberry and cream layers.
- → How should the strawberries be prepared?
Fresh strawberries should be washed and thinly sliced to layer evenly inside, offering a fresh, juicy component to the dessert.