Cream Puff Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through a patisserie and been captivated by the delicate, airy cream puffs glistening under the display lights, you’re not alone. These delightful treats, with their crisp shells and luscious fillings, are a testament to the beauty of baking. Today, I’m excited to guide you through a Cream Puff Recipe that’s simple yet impressive. Perfect for any occasion, these cream puffs will surely wow your family and friends. Let’s dive in!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks rave about this Cream Puff Recipe for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the texture is heavenly; the shells are light and crisp, while the filling is rich and creamy. Moreover, these puffs are incredibly versatile. You can fill them with sweet whipped cream, custard, or even savory fillings for a different twist. They are also surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely have on hand. Plus, the satisfaction of creating these beautiful pastries from scratch is unparalleled!
What You’ll Gather
To make these delightful cream puffs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, or more or less to taste
Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results!
Setup & Equipment
Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:
- Medium saucepan: For boiling the water and butter.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the dough ingredients.
- Hand mixer or whisk: To whip the cream.
- Baking sheet: For baking the puffs.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking.
- Piping bag or zip-top bag: For filling the puffs.
Having everything ready will make the process smoother!
Cream Puff Recipe, Made Easy
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: making these delicious cream puffs! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the pastry dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup water, 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once. Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Step 2: Incorporate the eggs
Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy when you’re done.
Step 3: Pipe the dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, pipe small mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
Step 4: Bake the puffs
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking or they may collapse.
Step 5: Cool the puffs
Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help them maintain their shape and crispness.
Step 6: Make the whipped cream filling
While the puffs cool, whip the 1 cup heavy cream in a mixing bowl until it starts to thicken. Gradually add in 1/2 cup powdered sugar, adjusting to taste, and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
Step 7: Fill the cream puffs
Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the side of each puff. This will allow you to fill them without making a mess. Transfer the whipped cream into your piping bag and fill each puff generously.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Your delicious cream puffs are now ready to serve! Dust with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family.
In-Season Flavor Ideas
One of the best things about cream puffs is their versatility. Here are some flavor ideas to elevate your Cream Puff Recipe:
- Vanilla Bean: Add vanilla bean paste to the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cream for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle melted Chocolate Sauce over the filled puffs for an indulgent treat.
- Matcha: Whip in matcha powder into the cream for a unique flavor and gorgeous color.
Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings!
Steer Clear of These
While experimenting can be fun, here are a few things to avoid for the best results:
- Do not open the oven door while baking, as this will cause the puffs to deflate.
- Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the eggs; this can lead to dense puffs.
- Don’t skip the cooling step for the puffs; filling them while warm can cause the cream to melt.
Following these tips will help ensure your cream puffs turn out perfectly!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
If you want to prep in advance, here are some helpful tips:
Unfilled cream puffs can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best texture, fill them just before serving. If you have any leftover filled puffs, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Quick Q&A
Can I freeze cream puffs?
Yes! Unfilled cream puffs freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw and fill them with cream.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whipped coconut cream or even a non-dairy heavy whipping cream alternative.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to use the dough immediately after making it, as it’s designed to be baked right away. However, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours before piping and baking.
What’s the secret to perfect cream puffs?
The key to perfect cream puffs lies in ensuring that you let the dough cook long enough on the stovetop to form a proper structure and not opening the oven door too early during baking.
If you enjoyed making these cream puffs, consider trying your hand at other delightful desserts:
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered this Cream Puff Recipe, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy these delectable treats. Whether for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, cream puffs are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Cream Puff Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe small mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- While cooling, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until it starts to thicken. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, adjusting to taste, and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
- Once the cream puffs are cool, cut a small slit in the side of each puff. Fill them with the whipped cream using a piping bag.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Unfilled cream puffs can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Fill cream puffs just before serving for the best texture.
- Frozen unfilled cream puffs can be thawed and filled when ready to serve.
