Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs

Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that brings together light, airy puffs filled with rich Nutella and fresh, juicy strawberries. The contrast between the crisp pastry shell and…

By Julia • December 26, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that brings together light, airy puffs filled with rich Nutella and fresh, juicy strawberries. The contrast between the crisp pastry shell and the smooth, chocolatey filling with sweet berries makes every bite a little moment of happiness. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat, perfect for a special dessert or a sweet snack.

I love how these cream puffs come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors feel fancy. The strawberries add a fresh touch that balances out the creamy Nutella wonderfully. A little tip I’ve found helpful is to use room temperature Nutella so it’s easier to fill the puffs without tearing the pastry.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy these is with a dusting of powdered sugar on top and a cup of tea or coffee on the side. They always bring a smile to everyone’s face, whether they’re a casual snack or the grand finale of a meal. Honestly, they’re so good that I often find myself sneaking one when no one’s looking!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Puff Pastry Sheets: These are the base of your cream puffs. Using frozen sheets saves lots of time. If you can’t find puff pastry, you could try pâte à choux for classic cream puffs, but keep in mind it’s a different technique.

Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the filling light and fluffy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream chilled overnight and whipped the same way. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs nicely with strawberries.

Strawberries: Fresh and sliced strawberries add a juicy, slightly tart balance to the sweetness. If strawberries aren’t available, raspberries or blueberries work well too.

Nutella: Nutella adds rich chocolate hazelnut flavor. If you want a different taste, almond or peanut butter can be fun substitutes. Just warm slightly to make drizzling easier.

How Do You Get Puff Pastry Crispy and Light?

Here’s how to bake puff pastry so it stays crisp and puffed perfectly:

• Thaw it fully in the fridge overnight for even rolling and baking.
• Roll out on a lightly floured surface to smooth wrinkles but don’t overwork it.
• Cut into shapes and prick centers lightly to stop too much puffing in the middle, letting edges rise higher.
• Bake on a parchment-lined tray at a high temperature (about 400°F/200°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and puffed.
• Let cool completely on a wire rack to keep them crisp before filling.

These steps help create that light, flaky shell perfect for holding cream and toppings without getting soggy.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – a flat surface for the puff pastry to bake evenly and puff up nicely.
• Parchment paper – prevents the puff pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Round cookie cutter or glass – helps cut the puff pastry into even circles for uniform cream puffs.
• Mixing bowl – for whipping the cream until fluffy.
• Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping cream quick and easy, giving you nice stiff peaks.
• Sharp knife – to slice the baked puff pastry puffs in half carefully without crushing them.
• Spoon or piping bag – to spread or pipe the whipped cream and assemble the cream puffs neatly.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries – they add a different sweet-tart berry flavor that pairs well with Nutella.
• Mix mascarpone cheese with the whipped cream – adds richness and a slight tang for creamier filling.
• Drizzle caramel sauce instead of Nutella – gives the puffs a buttery, sweet twist perfect for fall.
• Add chopped toasted hazelnuts on top – for a crunchy texture and to enhance the Nutella hazelnut flavor.

Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Puff Pastry:

• 1 package of frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup Nutella (or other chocolate hazelnut spread)
• Optional: extra strawberries for garnish

Time Needed:

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake the puff pastry, plus an additional 15 minutes to whip the cream and assemble the cream puffs. Plan for about 35 minutes total, perfect for a quick and impressive dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Bake Puff Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, cut the pastry into circles. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Lightly prick the center of each circle with a fork to prevent too much puffing. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Whip the Cream:

While the pastry cools, pour the heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the cream until stiff peaks form – that means it holds firm when you lift the whisk.

3. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

Once the pastry rounds are cool, carefully slice each puff in half horizontally with a sharp knife. Spread or pipe a generous amount of the whipped cream onto the bottom half of each puff. Add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Place the pastry’s top half over the strawberries.

4. Add Nutella and Serve:

Warm the Nutella in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if it’s too thick to drizzle easily. Drizzle Nutella on top of each cream puff. Finally, dust the assembled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Nutella Strawberry Cream Puffs!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can make the cream puffs soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling.

How Should I Store Leftover Cream Puffs?

Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the puff pastry can soften over time, it’s best to assemble them just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I Make the Puff Pastry Ahead of Time?

You can bake the puff pastry circles in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Add the whipped cream, strawberries, and Nutella just before serving to maintain freshness.

What Can I Substitute for Nutella?

If you don’t have Nutella, try other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, melted chocolate, or even peanut butter for a different but tasty twist. Just warm the substitute slightly if you want to drizzle it over the cream puffs.