Strawberry Whipped Cream Bombs

Serves 6 · 40 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 5 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for berries
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 1/4 cup extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. 1Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; wait until foamy. Whisk in the remaining sugar, egg, and melted butter until blended, then add flour and salt to form a soft dough.
2. 2Knead until smooth and elastic, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and rise until doubled. Punch down, portion into equal balls, and shape each into a smooth round bomb.
3. 3Set the shaped bombs on parchment, cover, and proof until noticeably puffy and light. Meanwhile hull and finely dice the fresh strawberries, toss with sugar, and let them macerate to release juices.
4. 4Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and freeze-dried strawberry powder until stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape with a pretty pink tint. Fold in the drained macerated strawberries gently so the cream stays airy.
5. 5Heat frying oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry the dough bombs in small batches, turning often for even color, until golden brown all over and cooked through to the center. Drain on a wire rack.
6. 6Cool the fried bombs completely. Use a small knife or piping tip to cut a discreet opening in the side or bottom of each bomb and carefully hollow a little space inside if needed.
7. 7Transfer the strawberry whipped cream to a piping bag. Pipe a generous amount of the luscious pink cream into each bomb until it feels full and the cream peeks slightly at the opening.
8. 8Dust the tops heavily with powdered sugar for a classic bakery finish. Serve right away so the fluffy fried exterior and cool strawberry cream filling stay perfectly contrasted and irresistible.