Strawberry Cream Puff Cake
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of this Strawberry Cream Puff Cake, featuring two layers of delicate choux pastry filled with luscious homemade vanilla bean whipped cream and fresh, sliced strawberries. This elegant dessert combines the light, airy texture of cream puffs with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a perfect treat for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below.
Bread flour
Milk of choice
Water
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla bean paste or extract
Fresh strawberries
Tips for making a Strawberry Cream Puff Cake:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure you use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the strawberries and vanilla bean. Fresh strawberries add a vibrant flavor, and real vanilla bean gives the whipped cream a rich, aromatic taste.
Proper Choux Pastry Preparation: When making the choux pastry, ensure the dough is cooked enough to form a smooth, glossy ball. This helps the pastry puff up properly in the oven.
Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the choux pastry dough. This helps them incorporate more easily and results in a smoother dough.
Even Baking: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking. This ensures the choux pastry rises properly and maintains its structure.
Cooling Completely: Allow the choux pastry layers to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the cake. This prevents the whipped cream from melting and keeps the pastry crisp.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks for a stable filling. Incorporate vanilla bean seeds for an intense vanilla flavor.
Slicing Strawberries: Slice the strawberries thinly and evenly. This ensures a uniform distribution of fruit and an even texture throughout the cake.
Layering the Cake: Start with the first layer of choux pastry, spread a generous amount of whipped cream, and layer the sliced strawberries evenly. Top with the second layer of choux pastry. Finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Chilling Before Serving (optional): Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.
Serving Fresh: Serve the cake fresh for the best taste and texture. If you need to store it, keep it refrigerated and consume it within a day or two for optimal freshness.
How to store a Strawberry Cream Puff Cake:
Refrigeration: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture. The choux pastry may soften slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Separate Components: For longer storage, consider storing the components separately. Keep the choux pastry layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store the whipped cream and sliced strawberries in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the cake just before serving.
Freezing Choux Pastry: You can freeze the choux pastry layers separately. Once baked and cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw the pastry layers at room temperature before assembling the cake.
Whipped Cream and Strawberries: Do not freeze the whipped cream or strawberries, as they will lose their texture and flavor. Always use fresh whipped cream and strawberries when assembling the cake.
Pre-assembled Storage: If you need to store an assembled cake, cover it lightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 1-2 days. The whipped cream may lose some of its structure over time, so it's best to enjoy the cake as fresh as possible.
Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftover slices, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 1-2 days.
Check out my other cake recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this strawberry cream puff cake. Happy baking!
