Introduction to Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs
Welcome to the delightful world of Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs! If you’re like me, you know that sometimes life calls for a sweet escape. These little puffs are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that can brighten any day. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a moment of bliss, this recipe is your perfect companion. With a creamy filling and a luscious strawberry glaze, these puffs are a quick solution for a busy day or a charming dessert for a special occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs
These Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs are a dream come true for any home cook! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. The delightful combination of creamy filling and fresh strawberries creates a taste explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, they look stunning on any dessert table, making them a showstopper for gatherings. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients for Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Water: This is the base for your dough, helping to create the perfect puff.
- Milk: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making it tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for a rich taste and flaky texture in the puffs.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the flavors in the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste, bringing out the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cream puffs, providing structure.
- Large Eggs: These are crucial for leavening, giving the puffs their airy quality.
- Heavy Cream: This will be whipped into a fluffy filling, adding decadence.
- Cream Cheese: Softened, it adds a creamy tang to the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Strawberry Jam or Puree: This brings a fruity burst to the filling, making it irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar (for glaze): This will create a sweet, glossy finish for your puffs.
- Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to your liking.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a delightful texture and tropical flavor to the puffs.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced, they make a beautiful and tasty garnish.
- Whipped Cream: For topping swirls, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these delightful Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting those puffs to rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Create the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. It’s like magic watching it come together!
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. This is important; we don’t want to scramble the eggs! Once it’s slightly cooler, beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix until the dough is smooth and glossy. It should be thick but pipeable, like a soft cloud!
Step 4: Bake the Puffs
Now comes the fun part! Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between them, as they will puff up. Bake for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up. Resist the urge to open the oven door; we want to keep that heat in!
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the puffs are baking, let’s whip up the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This will create a light and fluffy filling that’s simply irresistible!
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze
For the glaze, mix the strawberry jam with powdered sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. This glaze will add a beautiful shine and a burst of strawberry flavor to your puffs!
Step 7: Assemble the Cream Puffs
Once the puffs are completely cool, slice them in half. Pipe the creamy filling inside each puff, then dip the tops into the strawberry glaze. Immediately roll them in shredded coconut for that tropical touch. Finally, top with a swirl of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry slice. Voilà! Your Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs are ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your puffs are completely cool before filling to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
- Don’t skip the chilling step for the filling; it helps it hold its shape.
- Experiment with different jams for unique flavors in your filling.
- For a fun twist, try adding a splash of coconut extract to the cream filling!
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet: A standard sheet works, but a silicone mat can help with sticking.
- Parchment Paper: Essential for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Piping Bag: If you don’t have one, a zip-top bag with a corner snipped works too.
- Mixing Bowls: Use any size; just ensure they’re sturdy for mixing.
- Whisk: A hand whisk is great, but an electric mixer speeds things up!
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Coconut: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat.
- Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based butter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Arrange on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching presentation at gatherings.
FAQs about Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs
Can I make Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the puffs a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. However, I recommend filling them just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the filling?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped coconut cream. It adds a lovely coconut flavor that complements the Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs beautifully!
How do I store leftover cream puffs?
Store any leftover Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze the cream puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the baked puffs! Just make sure they are completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge before filling and serving.
What other flavors can I use for the filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can use lemon curd, chocolate mousse, or even a coffee-flavored cream. The possibilities are endless with these versatile Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs is more than just baking; it’s about crafting moments of joy. Each bite is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and tropical flavors that dance on your palate. I love how they can turn an ordinary day into something special, whether shared with friends or savored alone. Plus, the smiles they bring are priceless! So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this recipe. I promise, the experience will be as sweet as the puffs themselves. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and love!
Print
Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs: Discover the Perfect Recipe!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Strawberry Coconut Cream Puffs filled with a creamy mixture and topped with a strawberry glaze and shredded coconut.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g) strawberry jam or puree
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to adjust glaze consistency)
- 1 cup (80 g) shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (for topping swirls)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until dough pulls away from sides and forms a ball.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon dough into small mounds on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream separately to stiff peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Chill until ready to use.
- Mix strawberry jam with powdered sugar. Add milk gradually until smooth and spreadable.
- Slice puffs in half and pipe cream filling inside.
- Dip tops into strawberry glaze, then immediately roll in shredded coconut.
- Top with a swirl of whipped cream and half a strawberry.
- Best enjoyed the same day while fresh and crisp.
Notes
- Ensure the puffs are completely cooled before filling to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh strawberries for decoration for the best flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
