Famous Cream Puffs: A Delightful Dessert to Enjoy Any Time
When it comes to dessert, there are few treats as universally loved as cream puffs. Light, airy, and filled with a rich, luscious cream, cream puffs are a timeless classic that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of indulgence to any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering, a special celebration, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea, cream puffs never fail to impress. This famous cream puff recipe takes these beloved pastries to the next level, combining simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create the perfect balance of crispy, buttery pastry and velvety, sweet filling. With just a few minutes of prep and a little patience, you can transform basic pantry ingredients into a dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 cream puffs 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the puffs:
- 1 cup water
- 1 stick butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the cream filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 (3.4 ounces) package instant vanilla pudding
Instructions
- Making the Puff Dough: The first step in making cream puffs is to prepare the dough. Begin by placing 1 cup of water, 1 stick of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of white sugar into a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the butter melt and the sugar dissolve. The mixture will bubble as it heats up, releasing a comforting aroma of butter and vanilla. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t overflow or scorch.
- Incorporating the Flour: Once the mixture reaches a boil and the butter has melted completely, it’s time to add the flour. Slowly stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. The dough will quickly begin to come together, forming a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Keep stirring for about 1 to 2 minutes to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated into the dough. At this point, the dough should be smooth, thick, and slightly glossy.
- Cooling the Dough: Once the flour is fully incorporated and the dough has come together, remove the pan from the heat. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes. This cooling step is important because if you add the eggs when the dough is still too hot, they may cook and scramble. Allow the dough to cool slightly but not completely—ideally, it should still be warm to the touch when you add the eggs.
- Adding the Eggs: Now it’s time to add the eggs, which will give the dough its structure and lightness. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the dough until smooth and glossy. This may take some effort, but don’t worry—the dough will eventually come together and become thick, shiny, and slightly sticky. When all four eggs have been added and fully incorporated, the batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe easily.
- Piping the Dough onto Baking Sheets: Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cream puffs. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the puffs from sticking during baking. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space the dough mounds about two inches apart, as the puffs will expand as they bake. The dough should form small, rounded mounds with slightly rough edges, as this will help them develop the classic puff shape in the oven.
- Baking the Cream Puffs: Now it’s time to bake the puffs. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, the puffs will rise and begin to turn golden brown. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This will help the puffs cook through and become crisp on the outside while maintaining a light, airy texture inside.
- Cooling the Puffs: Once the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up, remove them from the oven. Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each puff to allow the steam to escape. This step prevents the puffs from becoming soggy as they cool. Let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack before filling them with the creamy filling.
- Preparing the Cream Filling: While the puffs are cooling, you can prepare the cream filling. In a large bowl, combine 1 pint of heavy cream, ⅓ cup of whole milk, and 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it thickens and forms soft peaks. The pudding mix helps to stabilize the cream and gives it a smooth, velvety texture. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into the puffs but still light and airy.
- Filling the Cream Puffs: Once the puffs have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to cut each one in half horizontally. Be gentle when cutting to avoid crushing the delicate puff. Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the bottom half of each puff with the vanilla cream filling. Don’t be shy with the filling—generously stuff each puff to ensure a satisfying ratio of creamy filling to crisp pastry.
- Finishing Touches: After filling the puffs, place the top halves back onto the filled bottoms to create a sandwich. Dust the tops of the cream puffs with powdered sugar to give them a beautiful, snowy finish. The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and enhances the visual appeal of the puffs.
- Serving the Cream Puffs: Serve the cream puffs immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry remains crisp and the cream filling stays soft and creamy. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, you can arrange them on a platter and watch as they disappear quickly!
Notes
- If you’re looking for a lighter filling, consider substituting the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or a lighter whipped topping. This will give the cream puffs a slightly different flavor while still maintaining their signature creamy texture.
- For a different flavor profile, you can infuse the cream filling with a splash of citrus, such as lemon or orange zest. This adds a refreshing twist to the classic vanilla flavor.
- These cream puffs can also be topped with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
- If you prefer a chocolate version, you can substitute some of the vanilla cream filling with a chocolate mousse or pudding mixture for a rich, chocolaty twist on the classic.
- Serve these cream puffs at a party, or enjoy them as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert table for any holiday or special occasion.