Cloud-Like Cream Puffs For A Heavenly Dessert Experience
Indulge in the ultimate dessert delight with cloud-like cream puffs. These airy, light pastries are filled with a luscious cream that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of texture and sweetness.
Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy anytime, these cream puffs are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings. Join me in creating this delightful recipe for a dessert that looks and tastes divine
Cream Puffs
Light as air and filled with dreamy cream, these puffs are little bites of heaven.
Ingredients
- FOR THE PUFFS:
- Butter unsalted
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp)
- All-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 4 Eggs
- Water (1 cup)
- Pinch of salt
- FOR THE CREAM FILLING:
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups)
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box)
Simplicity at Its Finest
One of the best things about cream puffs is that they’re made with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential:
For the Puffs:
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the pastry its rich, buttery flavor while helping to create that beautiful golden crust.
• Water: The liquid in the dough creates steam during baking, causing the pastry to puff up.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the dough, allowing it to hold its shape as it bakes.
• Eggs: Eggs are the magic ingredient in choux pastry, providing both moisture and leavening power.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
For the Cream Filling:
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The base of the filling, whipping cream creates that light, fluffy texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This secret ingredient stabilizes the cream, ensuring it holds its shape.
• Whole Milk: Adds a creamy consistency to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream, making it taste even more luxurious.
How To Make The Most Delicious Cream Puffs
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
For the puffs:
1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 8 tablespoons of butter.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
4. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the butter is fully melted. Then, take it off the heat.
5. Quickly add 1 cup of flour and a pinch of salt, stirring non-stop until you get a smooth dough.
6. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and beat on low until it cools down a bit.
7. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing each one in completely before adding the next.
8. Scoop out small mounds of dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, placing them on a parchment or silicone mat-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re puffed up and lightly golden.
10. Let them cool completely before filling.
For the cream filling
1. Whip together 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix until it starts to thicken.
2. Add ⅓ cup of whole milk and keep mixing until you get stiff peaks.
Filling the puffs
1. Slice each cream puff in half.
2. Pipe the cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff.
3. Place the top half back on.
4. If you like, dust with a little confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delightful, cloud-like cream puffs!
Storing and Serving Your Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the filling from drying out. If you’re planning to serve them later, assemble them just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
Why Cream Puffs Are the Perfect Dessert
There’s a reason cream puffs are a go-to dessert for special occasions. Their light, airy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy filling, creating a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with different flavors like chocolate, coffee, or fruit, making them suitable for any palate or occasion.
Another bonus? They’re bite-sized, which means no messy slicing or serving. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or bringing a dessert to a potluck, cream puffs are always a crowd-pleaser.