Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs: Your New Go-To Elegant Dessert

Indulge in a dessert that tastes like a decadent bakery treat but stays firmly on track with your Weight Watchers goals! These Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs combine flaky, golden pastry shells with a silky-sweet filling of fresh strawberries and lightened-up cream. this elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for brunches, celebrations, or a guilt-free afternoon pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant & Effortless: Looks fancy but takes just 25 minutes to make!
• WW-Friendly Swaps: Light puff pastry, sugar-free filling, and fresh fruit keep points low.
• Customizable: Swap strawberries for raspberries, peaches, or mixed berries.
• Perfect Portions: Individual servings help curb overindulgence.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for entertaining or gifting to friends.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Puffs:

• 1 sheet light puff pastry (thawed, such as Pepperidge Farm Reduced Fat)
• 1 egg white (whisked, for brushing)
• 1 tsp powdered sugar substitute (optional, for dusting)

For the Strawberries & Cream Filling:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced, plus extra for garnish)
• 4 oz fat-free cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip Lite)

Instructions

Bake the Pastry Shells

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut into 8 equal squares.
3. Place squares on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush lightly with egg white.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar substitute, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Gently fold in light whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Macerate the Strawberries

1. Toss diced strawberries with 1 tsp of powdered sugar substitute (optional). Let sit for 5-10 minutes to release juices.

Assemble the Puffs

1. Carefully slice cooled pastry puffs horizontally to create a top and bottom.
2. Spoon 1 tbsp of cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff.
3. Top with a spoonful of macerated strawberries and replace the pastry lid.
4. Garnish with a dollop of extra cream, a strawberry slice, and a dusting of powdered sugar substitute.

Nutritional Information

(Per puff)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 3g (naturally occurring from fruit)
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 3 (with sugar substitute) or 4 (if using regular sugar).

Tips for Success

1. Pastry Hack: Use pre-baked mini phyllo shells (like Athens) for a shortcut—adjust points accordingly.
2. Boost Flavor: Add a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
3. Make Ahead: Prepare filling and pastry shells up to 1 day in advance; assemble just before serving.
4. Freeze It: Freeze unfilled pastry shells for up to 1 month—thaw and crisp in the oven before filling.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Light Pastry: Reduced-fat puff pastry slashes points without sacrificing flaky texture.
• Smart Sweetness: Sugar substitutes and fresh strawberries add sweetness without the sugar spike.
• Protein-Packed Cream: Greek yogurt and fat-free cream cheese keep the filling rich yet low in points.

Serving Ideas

• Brunch Star: Pair with a mimosa (count points) and egg-white omelets.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange puffs alongside dark chocolate-dipped fruit for a WW-friendly spread.
• Summer Party: Serve on a platter garnished with mint and edible flowers.

Strawberries & Cream Pastry Puffs are proof that desserts can be both dreamy and disciplined. With their crisp pastry, luscious cream, and juicy berries, these bite-sized treats deliver all the joy of a bakery indulgence—minus the guilt. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this recipe is a delicious way to stay on plan while savoring life’s sweeter moments.