Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cream Puffs are a whimsical take on the classic French choux pastry. These airy puffs are filled with silky vanilla whipped cream and topped with a trio of dreamy chocolate glazes—white, milk, and ruby. Decorated with fresh strawberry chunks, edible pearls, and colorful sprinkles, they are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether served on a dessert tray or wrapped as edible gifts, these cream puffs are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cream puffs are a harmonious blend of elegance and indulgence. The crisp pastry shell gives way to a light and fluffy whipped cream filling, while the glossy chocolate coatings provide a luxurious finish. The vibrant strawberry topping adds a burst of freshness, perfectly complementing the richness of the cream and chocolate. Ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, or romantic desserts, this recipe is a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and presentation.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cream Puff Shells:

Water
Whole milk
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Salt
Large eggs

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For the Coating & Toppings:

White chocolate, melted
Milk chocolate, melted
Ruby chocolate or pink candy melts
Fresh strawberries, diced
Edible sugar pearls
Sprinkles (red velvet crumbs, crushed candy, pastel dusts)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until a dough ball forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.

To Prepare the Filling:

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round or star tip.
Insert the tip into the base or side of each puff and fill with whipped cream until slightly firm to the touch.

To Glaze and Decorate:

Melt white chocolate, milk chocolate, and ruby chocolate or pink candy melts in separate bowls.
Dip the tops of the filled puffs into the melted chocolates, alternating between flavors for variety.
While the chocolate is still wet, garnish with diced fresh strawberries, edible pearls, and sprinkles of your choice.
Place the cream puffs on a tray and chill for 10–15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cream puffs
Calories: Approximately 235 kcal per cream puff

Variations

Chocolate Cream Filling: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the whipped cream for a rich chocolate version.
Berry Medley: Mix raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a colorful topping.
Custard Filling: Substitute whipped cream with vanilla pastry cream for a traditional éclairs-style filling.
Flavored Cream: Add rose water, orange zest, or almond extract to the whipped cream for a subtle twist.
Colored Glazes: Tint the white chocolate with food coloring to match seasonal or themed palettes.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts as a topping for texture.
Mini Cream Puffs: Pipe smaller choux mounds for bite-sized versions perfect for dessert trays.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free chocolate alternatives to suit dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store cream puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, serve within 24 hours, as the shells may soften over time. These cream puffs are not suitable for reheating but can be assembled shortly before serving to retain their crispness. Freeze unfilled puffs for up to 1 month, then thaw and fill before glazing.

FAQs

What is choux pastry?

Choux pastry is a classic French dough that puffs up during baking to create a hollow center, ideal for filling with cream or custard.

Why did my cream puffs collapse?

They may have been underbaked. Ensure they are golden brown and firm before removing them from the oven, and avoid opening the oven during baking.

Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?

Yes. Bake and freeze the shells in advance, then thaw, fill, and decorate on the day of serving.

How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

The cream should hold stiff peaks when you lift the whisk or beaters. Be careful not to overwhip, which can lead to a grainy texture.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream is recommended for better texture and stability, but high-quality canned whipped cream can be used in a pinch.

What is ruby chocolate?

Ruby chocolate is naturally pink and has a slightly fruity, tangy flavor. It adds a vibrant color and unique taste to desserts.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?

Yes, melt them gently and stir until smooth. Add a small amount of neutral oil if the chocolate is too thick.

Do I need to chill the filled cream puffs?

Yes, chilling helps set the glaze and stabilizes the whipped cream before serving.

How long do cream puffs stay fresh?

Best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The shells may soften over time due to the filling.

Can I make this recipe without a piping bag?

Yes, use a spoon to form dough mounds and cut a small hole in a zip-top bag to fill the puffs with cream.

Conclusion

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cream Puffs are a perfect fusion of classic French pastry and modern flair. Their delicate shells, luscious whipped cream, and vibrant chocolate toppings create a dessert that is both visually enchanting and indulgently delicious. Ideal for gifting, tea parties, or special events, these cream puffs offer a balance of elegance and playfulness in every bite.