Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are little clouds of sweetness filled with a rich, creamy Nutella center and topped off with fresh, juicy strawberries. The pastry is light and airy, making each bite feel like a delicate treat that’s just the right balance of crisp and soft. These cream puffs are fresh, fun, and perfect when you want something a bit special without a lot of fuss.
I love making these when I need a quick but impressive dessert. The contrast between the silky Nutella filling and the bright strawberry slices always gets a nice reaction from family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to customize—if you don’t have strawberries on hand, you can swap in raspberries or even bananas for a little twist. I find that chilling the cream puffs just a bit before serving helps the flavors settle and makes them even more refreshing.
When I serve these cream puffs, I like to arrange them on a pretty platter and let everyone grab their own. It feels like a mini celebration every time! These are great for brunch, afternoon tea, or even as a sweet finish to dinner. I remember the first time I shared them at a small get-together and how fast they disappeared—definitely a sign they’re a winner in my book.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry
- Puff pastry sheets make this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer classic cream puffs, use choux pastry instead, which gives a lighter, airier shell but takes more time to prepare.
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- This is key for making rich, fluffy whipped cream. If you want a lighter option, you can use coconut cream, but it will add a different flavor.
- Nutella
- Nutella brings that creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor. You can swap in any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even melted chocolate mixed with a bit of hazelnut butter.
- Strawberries
- Fresh strawberries offer a juicy, fresh bite. If they aren’t available, raspberries or sliced bananas work well too or a mix of berries for variety.
How Can You Make Puff Pastry Perfectly Puff and Crisp?
Getting puff pastry to puff up beautifully can feel tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Make sure to chill your pastry before cutting—it keeps the layers firm.
- Prick the centers lightly with a fork to stop the middle from puffing too much but leave edges untouched for full puff.
- Bake on parchment paper on a preheated baking sheet so the heat hits evenly.
- Avoid opening the oven door early to keep the temperature stable.
- Let the puff pastry cool fully before slicing to keep it crisp and prevent tearing.
Following these tips helps you get those nicely layered, golden puffs every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – sturdy and rimmed to hold puff pastry and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps pastries bake evenly.
- Round cookie cutter or glass – makes cutting uniform circles easy and neat.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – for whipping cream smoothly without lumps.
- Mixing bowls – one chilled for whipping cream, keeps it nice and firm.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading whipped cream and Nutella gently.
- Piping bag (optional) – if you want neat swirls of whipped cream on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
- Try adding chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Use peanut butter instead of Nutella to change up the spread’s flavor.
- Add a splash of orange zest to the whipped cream for a bright citrus note.
Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) of puff pastry sheets (or choux pastry for classic cream puffs)
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of preparation and baking time plus cooling time—plan for around 45 minutes total to have your cream puffs ready to enjoy. The puff pastry needs to cool completely before assembling, so giving it a little chill is best.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using frozen puff pastry sheets, make sure to thaw them first according to package directions. Using a round cookie cutter or glass about 2.5 to 3 inches wide, cut circles from the puff pastry. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly prick the centers with a fork to prevent too much puffing in the middle.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden. Then, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Whipped Cream:
In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until soft peaks form. Chill the whipped cream until you’re ready to assemble your puffs.
3. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
Once the puff pastries are cooled, gently slice each in half horizontally, or simply remove the top “lid” if you baked classic cream puffs. Spread whipped cream generously on the bottom half. Arrange thin sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Add a spoonful or drizzle of Nutella over the strawberries (warming the Nutella slightly can make drizzling easier).
Then, add another swirl of whipped cream on top of the Nutella. Place the puff pastry top back on if you sliced it or leave them open-faced for a pretty presentation. Drizzle a little more Nutella over the top and dust with powdered sugar for a final touch.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs immediately, or keep them chilled in the fridge for a few hours until ready to enjoy. These treats are delicate, light, and bursting with strawberry and chocolate hazelnut flavor—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the puff pastry soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Cream Puffs?
Store assembled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the pastry crisp, it’s best to store the pastry and filling separately and assemble just before serving.
Can I Make the Cream Puffs Ahead of Time?
You can bake the puff pastry shells a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the whipped cream and assemble the cream puffs just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Warm Nutella for Drizzling?
Warm Nutella gently by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and heating for 10-15 seconds, stirring to ensure it’s smooth and easy to drizzle without overheating and separating.