Cream Puffs Recipe

A Brief History of Cream Puffs:

Cream puffs recipe, or “choux à la crème” in French, has delighted pastry lovers since the 16th century. Originating in France, they were introduced to the world by Catherine de Medici’s pastry chef. Over the centuries, cream puffs have evolved into a beloved dessert enjoyed globally, renowned for their delicate pastry shell and luscious cream filling.

Cream Puffs Recipe

Pinklady

Cream puffs, or "choux à la crème" in French, have delighted pastry lovers since the 16th century. Originating in France, they were introduced to the world by Catherine de Medici's pastry chef.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine French

Servings 12 Cream puffs

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry bag (optional)
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Pastry Shell:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

See also  Fudge Recipe

Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Prepare the Pastry Dough

• Heat Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.
• Add Flour and Salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the mixture forms a ball.
• Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
• Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Bake the Pastry Shells

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Shape the Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
• Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling

• Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• Fill the Puffs: Once the pastry shells have cooled, cut them in half horizontally and fill them with the whipped cream. Alternatively, use a pastry bag to pipe the cream into the puffs.

Video

Keyword Cream Puffs Recipe

Similar Recipes:

Éclairs: similar to cream puffs but filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate glaze.
Profiteroles: cream puffs filled with ice cream and typically drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Churros: Fried dough pastries often served with chocolate sauce, offering a different take on choux pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cream Puffs Recipe:

1. Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Can I freeze cream puffs?

Yes, you can freeze unfilled cream puffs for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before filling.

3. What other fillings can I use?

You can use pastry cream, custard, or even ice cream as fillings.

4. Why did my cream puffs deflate?

Cream puffs can deflate if they were underbaked or if the oven door was opened during baking.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

6. How can I ensure the hollowness of my cream puffs?

Make sure the dough cooks on the stove for a sufficient amount of time, and bake the puffs until they are firm and golden brown.

7. How can I use the remaining dough?

The dough can be frozen for later use or piped into various forms.

8. May I prepare little cream puffs?

Absolutely, just pipe smaller dough mounds and modify the baking time appropriately.

9. For what length of time are filled cream puffs fresh?

Although they are best eaten the same day, filled cream puffs can be kept in the fridge for up to two days.

10. How can I add extra decoration to my cream puffs?

For a festive touch, you can add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar.

Conclusion:

Cream puffs are a delightful and elegant dessert that can impress any guest. They are a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire, with a rich history and relatively simple preparation process. Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, making cream puffs is a rewarding experience.

YouTube Video Credits:
Natashas Kitchen