Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that brings together light, airy puff pastry filled with rich, creamy Nutella and fresh, juicy strawberries. The combination of fluffy cream, smooth chocolate-hazelnut spread, and sweet strawberries makes each bite a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
I love making these when I want something a little special but not too complicated. The best part is how easy it is to dress up basic cream puffs with Nutella and strawberries—the flavors just work so well together. One tip I always follow is to use fresh, ripe strawberries and a good-quality Nutella to make sure the filling tastes just right.
These cream puffs are perfect to serve at a casual gathering or as a fun dessert after dinner. I like to chill them before serving because the filling tastes even better when it’s cool and refreshing. Plus, they’re light enough that you can enjoy a couple without feeling too full, making them an instant favorite for everyone.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry saves time and still gives a light, flaky base. If you prefer, homemade puff pastry adds a special touch but takes more time.
Whipping Cream: Heavy cream whips into soft peaks for filling. You can use whipped topping if you want a dairy-free option, though texture will differ slightly.
Sugar & Vanilla: Powdered sugar sweetens while keeping cream smooth. Vanilla extract adds a warm note; almond extract can be a fun swap for more flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are best for sweetness and juiciness. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries thawed can work, but drain well to avoid soggy puffs.
Nutella: Nutella gives rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor. For allergies or preferences, try other chocolate spreads or peanut butter, which pairs nicely too.
How Do I Get Puff Pastry Crisp and Puffy Every Time?
The puff pastry’s texture makes or breaks this dessert. Here’s how to succeed:
- Thaw the pastry sheet fully but keep it cold so it’s firm and easy to cut.
- Cut shapes evenly to bake uniformly.
- Bake on parchment paper in a hot oven (around 400°F) to help it puff quickly.
- Avoid opening the oven during baking to keep pastry rising well.
- Let the puffs cool completely so they stay crisp when filled.
Follow these tips, and your puff pastry will be beautifully flaky and light, the perfect shell for your creamy, fruity filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking puff pastry evenly and catching drips.
- Parchment paper – keeps the puff pastry from sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Round cookie cutter (2.5–3 inches) – helps you cut uniform circles for even baking.
- Mixing bowl – for whipping the cream smoothly without mess.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping cream quick and easy to get stiff peaks.
- Spoon or piping bag – to fill your cream puffs neatly with whipped cream and Nutella.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fresh berry taste.
- Add chopped toasted hazelnuts inside for a crunchy texture that pairs nicely with Nutella.
- Mix a little cocoa powder into the whipped cream for a chocolate twist without extra spread.
- Use almond or vanilla whipped cream to change up the flavor or suit dietary needs.
How to Make Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strawberries, washed and sliced
- â…“ cup Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Optional: extra whole strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 12-15 minutes to bake, and an additional 15-20 minutes to chill before serving. Total time is around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly and cut out 8 circles using a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter). Place the circles on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Making the Whipped Cream Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy filling perfect for your cream puffs.
3. Assembling the Cream Puffs:
Carefully slice each cooled puff pastry circle in half horizontally. Spread a small amount of Nutella on the bottom half of each puff, then add a few slices of strawberries on top. Next, pipe or spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream over the strawberries. Place the top halves over the filling gently. Drizzle extra Nutella on top using a spoon or piping bag, then dust with powdered sugar. Garnish the serving plate with extra whole strawberries if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. This helps the pastry bake evenly and puff up nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Cream Puffs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the pastry from getting soggy, fill them just before serving if possible.
Can I Substitute Other Berries for Strawberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all work well and add lovely flavor variations to this dessert.
Is There a Nut-Free Alternative to Nutella?
Yes, you can use chocolate spread without nuts or a safe allergy-friendly chocolate spread. You can also try sunflower seed butter mixed with cocoa powder for a similar flavor.
