Cream Puff Recipe

Delight in the airy and decadent goodness of homemade cream puffs with this simple and rewarding Cream Puff recipe. Light pastry shells filled with a luscious vanilla-flavored cream make for an elegant and delightful treat. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a sophisticated dessert.

Why we love this recipe:

1. Versatility: Cream puffs are a versatile dessert that can be customized with various fillings and toppings.
2. Impressive Presentation: Despite their simplicity, cream puffs have an elegant appearance, making them a show-stopping dessert for gatherings.
3. Deliciously Light: The combination of delicate pastry and rich cream creates a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and not overly heavy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this Recipe:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dough:
   • In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Cool Mixture:
   • Allow the dough to cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until smooth and glossy.
4. Pipe the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven during the first 15 minutes to prevent deflating.
6. Cool:
   • Remove from the oven and let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare Filling:
   • Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Fill the Puffs:
   • Cut the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the bottom halves and top with the remaining halves.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
   • Optionally, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
10. Serve:
    • Serve the cream puffs immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Success Tips:

• Ensure the water-butter mixture comes to a full boil before adding the flour.
• Pipe the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.

Storage:

• Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the pastry may soften over time.

Notes:

• Experiment with different flavored creams, such as chocolate or fruit-infused, for a variety of cream puff options.

Nutrition:

• (Nutritional information per serving, based on yield)

FAQs:

1. Can I make the cream puffs in advance?
   • While the pastry is best when fresh, you can prepare the shells in advance and fill them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
2. Can I use a different filling?
   • Absolutely! Get creative with your fillings, whether it’s flavored creams, custards, or even ice cream for a unique twist.