Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs
Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are little bites of happiness that bring together flaky, airy puff pastry filled with creamy Nutella and fresh, juicy strawberries. They’re sweet and light, with just…
Tip: save now, cook later.Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are little bites of happiness that bring together flaky, airy puff pastry filled with creamy Nutella and fresh, juicy strawberries. They’re sweet and light, with just enough chocolate and fruit to make every bite delightful. These cream puffs are perfect for a treat when you want something special but not too heavy.
I love making these because they come together quickly and always impress friends and family. One tip I have is to make sure the puff pastry is nice and cold before baking so it puffs up perfectly. Also, I like to slice the strawberries thinly so they mix beautifully with the Nutella and cream without making the pastry soggy.
These are wonderful served slightly chilled, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. I often bring them to parties or enjoy them with a cup of tea in the afternoon. They’re one of those simple delights that make you smile and feel a little indulgent without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your cream puffs. Using refrigerated sheets saves time and makes the pastry light and flaky. If you can’t find puff pastry, use store-bought biscuit dough for a softer texture.
Nutella: The rich hazelnut spread adds depth and sweetness. You can swap it with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a peanut butter and chocolate mix for a new twist.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping cream makes the filling light and airy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, but whip it well and keep it chilled.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries offer a bright contrast to the creamy Nutella. If berries aren’t in season, substitute with raspberries or sliced peaches for a similar fresh feel.
How Do You Make Puff Pastry Perfectly Puffy and Flaky?
Keeping puff pastry cold is key. Warm dough won’t puff properly and can become greasy. Here’s what works for me:
- Thaw the sheets just until pliable, not soft.
- Work quickly to cut shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
- Space the pieces apart so steam can expand and create those airy layers.
- Bake in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) to get golden, crisp puffs.
- Let them cool fully before filling to avoid sogginess.
Following these tips helps the pastry rise beautifully with a crunchy outside and tender inside—perfect for holding all that Nutella, cream, and strawberries!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake the puff pastry evenly and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – stops the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – helps you cut uniform puff pastry shapes quickly; any shape works too!
- Mixing bowl – to whip the cream smoothly without spills.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping cream faster and fluffier.
- Spatula or butter knife – for spreading Nutella neatly onto the pastry.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a tart twist that pairs well with Nutella’s sweetness.
- Use mascarpone or cream cheese mixed with a little sugar instead of whipped cream for a richer filling.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts inside for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top to make the cream puffs even more decadent.
How to Make Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup Nutella (or any hazelnut spread)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of hands-on time, including baking and assembling. Plus, you’ll want to allow about 15 minutes for the puff pastry to cool completely before filling. Overall, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish for these delightful cream puffs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer and thaw according to package instructions until they’re pliable but still cold. Flour your work surface lightly, then unfold the sheets.
2. Cut and Bake the Pastry Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer), cut out your pastry shapes. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each shape so they can puff up nicely. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Whip the Cream:
While the pastries cool, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or whisk, adding the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Beat until soft peaks form – the cream should be fluffy but still hold its shape.
4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
Once the puff pastry is cool, carefully slice each one horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Spread about 1 tablespoon of Nutella on the bottom half. Then, add a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the Nutella. Arrange fresh strawberry slices over the whipped cream, and finish by placing the top half of the pastry back on.
5. Finishing Touch and Serving:
Lightly dust the assembled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve them immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to a few hours if you want to make them ahead. Enjoy your sweet, fluffy Nutella strawberry cream puffs!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours until pliable but still cold. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep the layers flaky and prevent sticking.
How Long Can I Store Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Store assembled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, as the puff pastry may lose its crispness over time.
Can I Substitute the Strawberries with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches work wonderfully as alternatives and pair nicely with Nutella and whipped cream.
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for the Whipped Cream?
Yes, coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute. Chill a can overnight, scoop out the solid part, and whip it just like regular cream. It adds a slightly different but delicious flavor.
