Strawberry Cream Puff Hearts

Strawberry Cream Puff Hearts are the kind of dessert that brings joy to any table. With tender, airy pastry, clouds of sweetened whipped cream, and fresh strawberries all shaped into charming hearts, these irresistible treats are perfect for special occasions or simply celebrating everyday love.

When I first baked these for Valentine’s Day, the whole family gathered in the kitchen to help shape the hearts and sample the whipped cream. Now they are a birthday request every year.

Ingredients

• Water: brings the dough together and ensures a light choux texture use filtered if possible
• Unsalted butter: gives rich flavor while letting you control salt levels choose high quality for best taste
• Salt: enhances the flavor don’t skip it
• All-purpose flour: creates structure in the pastry sift for smooth results
• Large eggs: build the puffs’ signature rise use at room temperature to mix in easier
• Heavy cream: makes billowy whipped filling use fresher local cream for best flavor
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the cream and makes a beautiful dusting choose super-fine for a smooth mix
• Vanilla extract: gives warmth to the filling choose pure extract for best taste
• Fresh strawberries: add bright color and natural sweetness pick ripe berries for juiciest results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry:

Bring water butter and salt to a vigorous boil in a saucepan over medium heat Stir in flour all at once and stir rapidly until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls from the pan bottom This step cooks off excess moisture for a crisp pastry shell

Cool and Add Eggs:

Take the pan off the heat and let dough cool for at least five minutes This keeps the eggs from scrambling Add eggs one at a time beating each until dough is shiny and smooth The dough should be just pipeable not runny

Pipe Heart Shapes:

Transfer dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip Pipe heart shapes on a parchment lined baking sheet Each heart should be about three inches wide Leave ample space between them so they puff nicely

Bake the Puffs:

Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes Do not open the oven door while baking or the steam will escape Cool puffs completely so they stay crisp and ready for filling

Whip the Cream:

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for better whipping Pour in cold heavy cream then add powdered sugar and vanilla Whip until stiff peaks form This keeps the filling light and stable for assembly

Assemble and Finish:

Slice each cream puff horizontally Fill the bottom half with whipped cream and a generous layer of sliced strawberries Place the top half back on and dust with more powdered sugar for a picture perfect finish

Save

I adore the way strawberries pair with vanilla whipped cream for the perfect amount of sweetness and tang. My kids always sneak extra strawberries during assembly making the baking process as memorable as the dessert itself.

Storage Tips

Keep assembled cream puff hearts in the refrigerator for up to twenty four hours The pastry will soften slightly but still taste delicious. For best texture store the baked puffs unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day and fill just before serving. Freeze unfilled puffs then re-crisp in a hot oven for a few minutes before using.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap raspberries or sliced peaches for the strawberries if you want to change the fruit flavor. You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make this dairy free. A little lemon zest in the cream adds fresh flavor if you want a citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions

Present the hearts on a platter dusted with extra powdered sugar for a festive look. These pair beautifully with coffee or tea for brunch or with a sparkling beverage for celebrations. Try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more indulgent dessert.

Cultural Context

Cream puffs originated in France and their classic technique is a staple in European pastry kitchens. Shaping them into hearts adds a modern touch that makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day baby showers or family gatherings centered on sharing love and good food.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the puffs from deflating?

Let the puffs bake fully and cool completely before slicing. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain their structure.

→ Can I make the choux hearts ahead of time?

Yes, the pastries can be baked a day in advance. Store in an airtight container and fill just before serving for best freshness.

→ What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can spoon the dough into heart shapes, though piping makes more defined, uniform forms.

→ Can other fruits be used for filling?

Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches pair well with the homemade whipped cream filling.

→ How do I ensure the whipped cream stays stable?

Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping, and don’t overmix. Assemble just prior to serving for optimal texture.