Heart-Shaped Strawberry Cream Puffs

Ingredients

• 8 oz heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup strawberries (Washed and sliced)
• 1 box puff pastry (Use high-quality puff pastry; cut into heart shapes or even rectangles)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (For dusting; optional)
• 1 egg (For egg wash)
• 2 tbsp water (For egg wash)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to the temperature required by the puff pastry package, usually about 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   Prepare the cream filling. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla bean paste, and granulated sugar to a bowl. Mix on high for 3–5 minutes, until the cream forms stiff peaks.

3. 3

   Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag and refrigerate it until ready to use. Chill it thoroughly so it does not melt during assembly.

4. 4

   Cut the puff pastry into heart-shaped pieces, or slice it into evenly sized rectangles.

5. 5

   Make the egg wash by whisking the egg and water together until combined.

6. 6

   Brush the egg wash over the puff pastry pieces to help them develop a golden-brown finish.

7. 7

   Bake the puff pastry according to the package instructions, usually for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. 8

   Allow the baked puff pastry to cool completely before filling.

9. 9

   Open each cooled puff pastry piece through the center. Pipe the chilled cream filling onto one half, taking care not to overfill it.

10. 10

    Top the cream filling with the sliced strawberries.

11. 11

    Close the puff pastry around the cream and strawberries.

12. 12

    Dust the tops with powdered sugar, if desired.

13. 13

    Serve immediately.

Notes

The puff pastry temperature and baking time depend on the package instructions; the source gives approximately 400°F/200°C and 12–15 minutes. Do not overfill the cream puffs. The source suggests experimenting with cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream filling, but does not specify quantities.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• pastry
• vegetarian
• fruit dessert
• baked
• easy dessert
• Valentine's Day
• strawberry