Decadent Strawberry Cream Puffs: Fluffy Delights! (Profiteroles) 🍓✨

Table of Contents

Introduction

Flaky, airy, and filled with whipped strawberry magic—this dessert is the definition of effortless elegance.

Looking for a dessert that will turn heads, taste divine, and still feel totally doable in your own kitchen? These Strawberry Cream Puffs, also known as Strawberry Profiteroles, are your new go-to for everything from fancy brunches to bridal showers and cozy weekends in. Made from light, golden pâte à choux (choux pastry), these dreamy pastries puff up into delicate shells that get filled with fluffy whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries. One bite and you’ll be hooked. 💖

Unlike store-bought cream puffs that can taste overly sweet or rubbery, homemade profiteroles are incredibly fresh, with a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The crisp outer shell gives way to a cloud-like interior, and when paired with strawberries and vanilla whipped cream (or even pastry cream!), it’s chef-level indulgence without the drama.

The best part? These elegant Strawberry Cream Puffs are surprisingly simple to make with just a few basic ingredients—eggs, flour, butter, and water. You don’t need a culinary degree to nail them, just a bit of guidance and the willingness to have fun in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a tea party, Mother’s Day brunch, Galentine’s get-together, or just treating yourself to something gorgeous and homemade, this recipe is as reliable as it is impressive.

These profiteroles also make a perfect seasonal dessert for spring and summer, when strawberries are at their juicy peak. You can even switch things up with different fillings—think lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or lavender whipped cream for a botanical twist.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this cream puff recipe a keeper? It perfectly marries simplicity and deliciousness. The puff pastry rises beautifully thanks to the steam generated by the water, while the rich, vanilla pudding filling melts in your mouth with every bite. Plus, they are highly customizable—feel free to fill them with your favorite flavors or add a luscious chocolate glaze for an extra touch of glamour. Who wouldn’t want to impress guests with a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a French patisserie?

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Light, airy texture meets rich, creamy bliss
These profiteroles are made from classic French choux pastry, which puffs up into delicate golden shells that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the velvety whipped cream filling is what makes this dessert so irresistible—every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth moment.
Naturally elegant and totally Instagram-worthy
Strawberry cream puffs look just as good as they taste! Their dainty shape, dusting of powdered sugar, and pop of fresh strawberry make them the ultimate showstopper for brunches, tea parties, baby showers, or a romantic dessert spread. They photograph beautifully and serve as both dessert and décor.
Perfect make-ahead dessert for stress-free hosting
Whether you’re planning a big gathering or a casual picnic, these profiteroles can be made in advance and stored in the fridge—just fill and chill! You can bake the pastry shells the night before, fill them the day of, and enjoy a stunning, stress-free dessert that saves time without sacrificing wow-factor.
Beginner-friendly, step-by-step recipe
Don’t be intimidated by the French name—this strawberry cream puff recipe breaks everything down into approachable, easy-to-follow steps, so even first-time bakers can pull it off. No fancy equipment or pastry degree needed—just a few basic ingredients and a little kitchen confidence.
Endlessly customizable with your favorite fillings
While strawberries and whipped cream are a dreamy combo, you can totally make these your own. Swap in lemon curd, chocolate mousse, vanilla pastry cream, or even a mascarpone filling for a richer twist. Want to keep it dairy-free or vegan? Use coconut whipped cream and egg substitutes for a plant-based version that still stuns.
Seasonal and versatile for any occasion
These strawberry cream puffs shine during spring and summer when berries are in season, but they’re just as delightful year-round. Top them with white chocolate drizzle for winter holidays, add edible flowers for garden parties, or dust with cinnamon sugar in the fall for cozy vibes.

Budget Information

The total recipe cost for this delightful cream puff creation is approximately $12.75, which rounds out to about $1.06 per serving if you yield 12 cream puffs. Here’s the breakdown:

Instant Pudding Mix: $1.50
Heavy Cream: $2.50
Whole Milk: $1.00
Butter: $1.00
Water: $0.00 (tap water!)
Salt: $0.05
All-Purpose Flour: $0.75
Eggs: $1.50

These tasty treats won’t break the bank, leaving you with both deliciousness and a happy wallet!

Ingredients + Optional Substitutions

Gather these fantastic ingredients to create your cream puffs:

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – $1.50: You can substitute with chocolate pudding for a twist.
Heavy Cream – $2.50: For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
Whole Milk – $1.00: Skim milk works too, but it may affect creaminess.
Unsalted Butter – $1.00: Margarine can be used in a pinch, though butter gives the best flavor.
Water – Free: Tap water works wonderfully!
Salt – $0.05: Helps to enhance flavors; no substitutions needed.
All-Purpose Flour – $0.75: Whole wheat flour can work too, but adjust the amount slightly.
Whole Eggs – $1.50: For an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg.

With minimal adjustments, you can create your own signature version!

Equipment:

🧁 General Equipment

Measuring cups & spoons
Rubber spatula or silicone spatula
Whisk
Mixing bowls (medium & large)
Plastic wrap (for covering pudding)
Wire cooling rack

🍮 For the Vanilla Filling

Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Refrigerator (to chill filling)

🍳 For the Choux Pastry

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or heatproof silicone spoon
Stove
Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional but helpful)
Large mixing bowl (if not using a stand mixer)

🧁 For Piping & Baking

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Piping bag + large round tip (or a plastic zip-top bag with a snipped corner)
Small bowl of water (to smooth peaks with your finger)
Oven
Oven mitts

🍓 For Filling & Garnishing

Small sharp knife (to slice puff tops, optional)
Piping bag with tip (for filling) or small spoon
Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar dusting)
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate, optional)
Spoon or piping bag (for whipped cream, optional)

PIN IT

Step-by-step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Whip up that dreamy vanilla filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 package of instant vanilla pudding, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup whole milk until smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so it thickens into the perfect piping consistency. (Psst… you can make this the day before to save time!)

Step 2: Make your classic choux pastry

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup water and bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once it bubbles, reduce heat to low and quickly stir in a pinch of salt and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a soft dough ball forms and pulls cleanly from the sides of the pan. You should see a smooth, matte texture—this is your choux base!

Step 3: Cool and add eggs

Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes (you don’t want scrambled eggs!). Transfer to a large bowl or stand mixer, then add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix on medium speed after each addition until your dough becomes glossy and pipeable with a silky, ribbon-like consistency. Think smooth, not runny!

Step 4: Pipe and prep for baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag (or a large spoon if you’re keeping it rustic), pipe 1.5 to 2-inch rounds onto your baking sheet, spacing each one at least 2 inches apart—they puff up big! For a polished look, dip your fingertip in water and smooth any peaks.

Step 5: Bake ‘til golden and glorious

Bake your cream puffs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and deeply golden. Do not open the oven door early—they’ll deflate! When they’re done, remove and cool completely on a wire rack. They should feel light and hollow when tapped.

Step 6: Fill with creamy vanilla goodness

Once cooled, gently slice the tops off your puffs (like little lids) or poke a small hole in the bottom using a piping tip. Pipe or spoon in that luscious chilled vanilla filling from earlier. You can even toss in a slice or two of fresh strawberry for that juicy surprise. 🍓

Step 7: Garnish & glam it up

Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Want that extra flair? Add a fresh berry or edible flower on top before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours (if they last that long!).

Nutritional Facts

– Calories: 150 per cream puff
– Protein: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Total Fats: 9g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 0g
– Sugar: 4g
– Sodium: 60mg

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep these cream puffs at their finest, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh their delightful texture before serving again. You can also freeze unfilled puffs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw and fill them when the craving strikes!

Serving Suggestions

These cream puffs shine best when garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with an extra dreamy chocolate sauce. You could also pair them with some fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream for a lavish dessert experience. Feeling adventurous? Create a stunning croquembouche by stacking filled cream puffs into a cone shape—it’s a showstopper!

Reader Tips or Helpful Notes

If you want your cream puffs to turn out perfectly, remember—don’t rush the cooling process after baking. Allowing them to cool properly helps prevent sagging. Also, feel free to experiment with flavorings in your pudding mix or fillings. A hint of almond extract or nutmeg can really elevate the taste, making these cream puffs uniquely yours!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pastry shells a day in advance and fill them just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Can I use different fillings?
Absolutely! Use any pudding flavors, whipped cream, or even custard. Get creative!

What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
This could be due to opening the oven door too early or not enough moisture in the dough. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.

How can I avoid soggy cream puffs?
Store them in a cool environment, and avoid filling them too early. Filling them just before serving keeps them crisp!

What’s the best way to fill cream puffs?
You can slice the tops off or use a piping bag to fill them. Both methods are effective and fun—choose what feels right for you!

🍓 Conclusion:

There’s just something magical about homemade Strawberry Cream Puffs—they’re light, airy, and bursting with fresh flavor in every dreamy bite. Whether you’re impressing guests, surprising your partner, or simply treating yourself (as you should!), these profiteroles bring a luxurious, bakery-level dessert experience right to your kitchen—no passport to Paris required.

The best part? They look like they came straight out of a patisserie window but are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. With their golden choux shells, fluffy whipped filling, and sweet pops of strawberry, these puffs are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression at any gathering—from spring brunches to bridal showers, baby celebrations, or cozy at-home date nights.

And because they’re totally customizable (hello lemon, chocolate, or floral twists!), this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again. Elevate it with elegant garnishes like edible flowers, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate for a dessert that’s both timeless and trendy.

So go ahead and give yourself the pastry chef treatment—you deserve it. ✨ These Strawberry Cream Puffs are more than a dessert; they’re a sweet celebration of joy, creativity, and the little moments that make life delicious.