Delicious and Fluffy: Baking Large Cream Puffs in a Convection Oven
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a large, airy cream puff. The delicate pastry, filled with luscious cream, is a treat for the senses. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this delightful dessert at home, you’re in luck. With the right techniques and a convection oven, you can achieve bakery-quality cream puffs right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Whipped cream or pastry cream for filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your convection oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Add the salt and flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Adding the Eggs
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and shiny. Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Step 3: Piping the Dough
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe the dough into large mounds, leaving space between each one for expansion. You can use a damp finger to smooth out any peaks on the mounds. Place the baking sheet in the preheated convection oven.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cream puffs for 30-35 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse. Once they are done, transfer the puffs to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Filling and Serving
When the cream puffs are completely cool, use a serrated knife to slice off the top third of each puff. Fill the bottom halves with whipped cream or pastry cream, then replace the tops. Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking large cream puffs in a convection oven, you can impress your friends and family with this delectable dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these homemade cream puffs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
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