The enchanting scent of strawberries wafting from the kitchen is enough to brighten any day. Picture this: it’s a warm afternoon, and the sun filters through the window, casting a golden glow over your workspace. That’s when I decided to create something special—Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin. This delightful dessert marries fluffy choux pastry with a luscious strawberry crème légère, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece fit for any occasion.
After experimenting with different flavors, I found that the combination of creamy filling and sweet, slightly crunchy craquelin on top was pure bliss. Not only does this treat impress anyone lucky enough to share it, but it’s surprisingly easy to make! In just a few steps, you can serve up a delightful dessert that will remind you of sunny picnics and joyous gatherings. So, if you’re ready to elevate your baking game and indulge in a bit of homemade decadence, let’s dive into this recipe together.
Why love Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin?
Heavenly Flavor: The silky strawberry crème légère combined with sweet, crunchy craquelin creates a divine taste explosion.
Easy Steps: With a straightforward process, even novice bakers will shine in the kitchen.
Impressive Presentation: These charming pastries look stunning on any dessert table, making you the star of every gathering.
Versatile Delight: Fill the choux with different flavors to suit your family’s preferences; the possibilities are endless!
Perfectly Balanced: The airy pastry pairs beautifully with the rich filling, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
With a recipe this enjoyable, don’t hesitate to check out our choux pastry recipe for a fun baking experience!
Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin Ingredients
For the Strawberry Crème Légère
• 1 lb strawberries – wash and hull for the freshest flavor.
• 1 ¾ cup whole milk – provides a creamy base that enriches the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract – adds a warm, aromatic sweetness to the mixture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – balances the tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
• 4 egg yolks – enrich the crème légère, giving it a silky texture.
• 2 tablespoons flour – helps thicken the mixture as it cooks.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – further stabilizes the filling for a luxurious consistency.
• ¾ cup heavy cream – whips beautifully to create a rich and airy texture.
• 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional) – enhances the strawberry flavor for a more vibrant result.
For the Strawberry Craquelin
• ½ cup light brown sugar – offers depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter – softens for a crumbly and buttery texture in the dough.
• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder – infuses a lovely strawberry essence in the shells.
• 4 ounces all-purpose flour – a must for creating stability in this delightful topping.
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt – elevates and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
• Few drops red food coloring (optional) – for a fun pop of color to your dessert!
For the Choux Pastry
• 1 batch choux pastry (see our choux pastry recipe) – the base for your matter-of-factly fluffy shells!
For the Salted Strawberry Jam
• ⅓ cup strawberry jam – a sweet and tangy filling to complement the creamy dessert.
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt – just a pinch to enhance the overall flavors.
Dive into the joy of making Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin and treat your loved ones to an extraordinary dessert experience!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin
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Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix strawberries, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, granulated sugar, egg yolks, flour, cornstarch, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
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Cool Down: Remove from heat and let the crème légère cool completely. Once cool, gently fold in the optional freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra boost of flavor.
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Prepare Craquelin: In a bowl, blend light brown sugar and softened butter until well combined. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and red food coloring if desired. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
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Chill Dough: Roll the craquelin dough into thin sheets, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until firm, about 30 minutes.
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Make Choux Pastry: Prepare the choux pastry as per our delightful choux pastry recipe, creating light, fluffy shells to cradle your sweet filling.
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Bake Pastries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pipe the choux pastry onto a baking tray and bake until golden brown and puffed, around 20-25 minutes.
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Mix Jam: In a bowl, combine the strawberry jam with a pinch of kosher salt. This will create a lovely salted strawberry jam to complement the dessert.
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Assemble Dessert: Fill the cooled choux pastries with the strawberry crème légère and top each with a dollop of salted strawberry jam for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin Variations
Feel free to explore these delicious twists and substitutions, elevating your dessert experience further!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delightful alternative that caters to dietary needs.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream for a dairy-free version that still satisfies.
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Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the choux pastry for a rich chocolate twist; you’ll create beautiful contrast with the strawberry filling.
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Fruit Fusion: Swap half of the strawberries with mashed bananas or raspberries for a different fruity flavor profile that brings fresh excitement.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the craquelin for an added texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet filling perfectly.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crème légère for a surprising heat that elevates the sweetness and adds sophistication.
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Herbal Infusion: Infuse the milk with fresh mint or basil before cooking the filling to create a refreshing herbal note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
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Seed Delight: Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseeds into the crème légère for a healthy twist; not only do they add nutrition, but they also enhance the texture!
Let your creativity shine as you customize Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin to suit your tastes and dietary preferences!
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during special occasions or family gatherings! You can prepare the strawberry crème légère up to 3 days in advance; simply allow it to cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy richness. The craquelin dough can also be rolled out and chilled for up to 24 hours; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, bake the choux pastry fresh for the best texture, fill them with the chilled crème légère, and top with the salted strawberry jam for a delightful presentation that will impress your guests!
Expert Tips for Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin
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Choose Fresh Strawberries: Always select ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor in your crème légère; frozen berries won’t yield the same delightful taste.
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Watch the Heat: When cooking the filling, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent scorching; a thick, creamy texture is what you want!
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Chill the Dough: Allow the craquelin to chill until firm before baking; this helps achieve that crunchy texture you desire, preventing it from melting into the choux.
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Perfect Puffing: Don’t open the oven door while baking the choux pastry; sudden temperature changes can cause them to collapse, ruining your perfect flaky shells.
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Fill with Care: When filling your choux pastries, use a piping bag for precision; this ensures a perfect amount of strawberry crème légère in each.
Indulge in the process of creating your Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin and delight in every bite!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin
Room Temperature: Enjoy your choux pastries within 1-2 hours for the best texture; they are best served fresh and crisp.
Fridge: Store filled pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the strawberry crème légère fresh but may soften the choux.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, fill choux pastries and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for up to 1 month, then transfer to an airtight container; reheat to restore texture.
Reheating: If frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin perfectly!
What to Serve with Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin?
Delight in creating a complete dessert experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
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Fresh Berries: Lightly sweetened strawberries or mixed berries bring a burst of freshness, enhancing the fruity flavor of the choux.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of airy whipped cream adds an indulgent touch, making each bite even creamier and more luxurious.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce provides a wonderful contrast, marrying the tartness of the strawberry with a sweet, decadent layer.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool balance to the warm choux, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
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Lemon Sorbet: Serve with a scoop of lemon sorbet for a zesty, refreshing counterpart that brightens the palate after the rich cream.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing with a robust coffee or espresso complements the dessert beautifully, offering a warm counterpoint to the sweet flavors.
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Champagne or Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly elevates the experience, adding a celebratory touch perfect for special occasions.
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Homemade Shortbread Cookies: Crunchy, buttery shortbread cookies can act as a delightful side that echoes the buttery notes of the craquelin topping.
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Coconut Panna Cotta: The smooth, creamy texture of coconut panna cotta creates a lush pairing that highlights the fruitiness of your choux.
These pairings will ensure your Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin shines at the center of your dessert table!
Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, juicy, and free of dark spots. Plump berries with a fragrant scent will provide the most delicious flavor for your crème légère. If you can, avoid strawberries that have any signs of mold or soft areas.
How should I store leftover filled choux pastries?
Very! To keep your filled pastries fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will ensure the strawberry crème légère stays cool, although it may cause the choux to become slightly softer. For best results, eat them within the first day!
Can I freeze Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin?
Absolutely! To freeze, fill your choux pastries and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze them for up to 1 month. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container. To enjoy, simply defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their lovely texture.
What can I do if my choux pastry doesn’t puff up properly?
Oh no! There are a few troubleshooting tips for that. First, make sure you haven’t opened the oven door too early, as the sudden temperature drop can cause them to collapse. Ensure you’re using the correct measurements for all ingredients, as too much liquid or fat can inhibit puffing. Finally, bake at the correct temperature; they should be evenly golden brown and should puff up beautifully in around 20-25 minutes.
Can my pets enjoy any leftovers?
While it’s tempting to share a treat, keep in mind that the rich filling and sugar in these pastries are not suitable for pets. Especially avoid giving them any choux that contains chocolate or other dangerous ingredients. It’s best to let Fido stick to his treats and enjoy your desserts yourself!
Indulge in Homemade Strawberry Choux au Craquelin Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, mix strawberries, whole milk, vanilla bean paste, granulated sugar, egg yolks, flour, cornstarch, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the crème légère cool completely. Once cool, gently fold in the optional freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra boost of flavor.
- In a bowl, blend light brown sugar and softened butter until well combined. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and red food coloring if desired. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll the craquelin dough into thin sheets, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the choux pastry as per our delightful choux pastry recipe, creating light, fluffy shells to cradle your sweet filling.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pipe the choux pastry onto a baking tray and bake until golden brown and puffed, around 20-25 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the strawberry jam with a pinch of kosher salt. This will create a lovely salted strawberry jam to complement the dessert.
- Fill the cooled choux pastries with the strawberry crème légère and top each with a dollop of salted strawberry jam for that perfect finishing touch.