Cream puffs are a delightful and classic French dessert that combines light and airy choux pastry with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence, these homemade cream puffs will impress your family and friends. With a crisp exterior and a luscious interior, they are sure to become a favorite treat.
When preparing this recipe, you may need to visit the supermarket for a few key ingredients that are not commonly found in every kitchen. Bread flour is essential for the structure of the choux pastry, and heavy whipping cream will be used both in the pastry cream and the sweetened whipped cream. Additionally, cornstarch and vanilla extract are crucial for the pastry cream's texture and flavor. Make sure you have all these on hand before you start baking.
Ingredients For Homemade Cream Puffs
Water: Used to create the dough for the choux pastry.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the choux pastry.
Granulated sugar: Provides a slight sweetness to the pastry and the pastry cream.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry and the cream.
Bread flour: Essential for the choux pastry's structure and texture.
Eggs: Contribute to the dough’s puffiness and richness.
Egg whites: Help to lighten the texture of the dough.
Chocolate sauce: A delicious topping option for the filled cream puffs.
Whole milk: Forms the base of the pastry cream.
Heavy cream: Adds richness to both the pastry cream and the sweetened whipped cream.
Cornstarch: Thickens the pastry cream.
All-purpose flour: Helps to stabilize the pastry cream.
Vanilla extract: Provides a lovely flavor to the pastry cream.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and can be used as a dusting.
One reader, Berenice Adam says:
These homemade cream puffs are absolutely divine! The pastry is perfectly golden and crisp, while the filling is rich and creamy. The combination of pastry cream and sweetened whipped cream is heavenly. A must-try for any dessert lover!
Essential Techniques for Making Homemade Cream Puffs
How to prepare pastry cream: This involves heating milk and cream, mixing it with a sugar-egg-cornstarch-flour mixture, cooking until thickened, and then chilling. How to make the cream puffs: This involves boiling water, butter, sugar, and salt, adding flour, cooking until a ball forms, cooling, incorporating eggs, and baking. How to make the sweetened whipped cream: This involves whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
How To Make Cream Puffs
Make your all-time favorite cream puffs at home with the combination of a light puffy pastry filled with a rich and creamy pastry cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupwater
- 6tbspbutter ,diced
- 2tspgranulated sugar
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupbread flour
- 3eggs,large
- 2egg whites,large
- Chocolate sauc,store bought or homemade, or powdered sugar, for topping
For the Pastry Cream:
- 1½cupwhole milk
- ½cupheavy cream
- ⅔cupgranulated sugar
- 2eggs,large
- ¼cupcornstarch
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- ⅛tspsalt
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1tbspbutter
For the Sweetened Whipped Cream:
- 2cupsheavy whipping cream
- 6tbsppowdered sugar
Instructions
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Prepare pastry cream according to the directions listed. During the last hour of chilling prepare cream puffs as follows. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
How to make the cream puffs:
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In a medium saucepan bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat, add in bread flour and mix until well combined.
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Return to medium heat and continue to cook, stirring the mixture constantly until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
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Allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in eggs and egg whites one at a time, stirring after each addition until combined. Continue to stir until the mixture together.
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Drop mixture about 2 tablespoons at a time onto Silpat lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2-inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
-
Remove from oven, transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Once cool, cut into halves then fill with pastry cream, sweetened whipped cream, and top with chocolate sauce or dust with powdered sugar.
How to make the pastry cream:
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In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk and cream just to a boil.
-
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, cornstarch, flour, and salt until well blended and slightly pale for about 1 minute.
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Remove saucepan from heat, while whisking pour 2/3 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture and mix until combined, then pour egg mixture into milk mixture in the pan while whisking the mixture in pan.
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Return to heat and reduce temperature to medium-low. Cook whisking mixture constantly to prevent curdling, until mixture has thickened for about 4 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
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Press mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressing directly against the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming, and chill for 2 hours or until mixture is cold.
How to make the sweetened whipped cream:
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In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer set on high speed, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Stir in powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Nutrition
- Calories: 395.36kcal
- Fat: 27.97g
- Saturated Fat: 16.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.42g
- Carbohydrates: 30.57g
- Fiber: 0.33g
- Sugar: 18.81g
- Protein: 6.29g
- Cholesterol: 155.44mg
- Sodium: 188.25mg
- Calcium: 81.85mg
- Potassium: 125.08mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 303.14µg
- Vitamin C: 0.30mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cream Puffs
When making the pastry cream, ensure you temper the egg mixture by gradually adding the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cream Puffs
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time when mixing the dough and whipped cream.
Chill pastry cream overnight: Make the pastry cream the night before to save time on the day of preparation.
Pipe the dough: Use a piping bag to quickly and uniformly shape the cream puffs.
Double batch: Make a double batch of cream puffs and freeze extras for future use.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe
water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds a richer flavor and can enhance the texture of the dough.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile.
bread flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is more commonly available and works well in most recipes.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made from ground flaxseed and water.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can mimic the properties of egg whites.
chocolate sauce - Substitute with caramel sauce: Caramel sauce provides a different but equally delicious topping.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in pastry cream.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a rich, non-dairy substitute that adds a slight coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a smooth texture similar to eggs.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a good thickening agent and can be used in place of cornstarch.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative that can be used in pastry cream.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a different texture but can be used in the same quantity.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter and can be used for a richer taste.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with whipped coconut cream: Whipped coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that whips up similarly.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be ground to a fine powder and used as a natural sweetener.
How to Beautifully Present Homemade Cream Puffs
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the cream puffs in a delicate, bite-sized form to highlight their elegance and ensure a refined dining experience.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to add visual appeal and a touch of sweetness.
Incorporate texture: Add a small dollop of sweetened whipped cream beside each cream puff to provide a creamy contrast to the crisp pastry.
Highlight the filling: Ensure the pastry cream is visible by slightly opening the cream puffs and allowing the filling to peek out, showcasing the luscious interior.
Use elegant plating: Arrange the cream puffs on a pristine white plate to emphasize their golden-brown color and create a sophisticated presentation.
Add a touch of color: Place a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint on the plate to introduce a pop of color and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Create height: Stack the cream puffs in a pyramid shape to add dimension and make the dish more visually interesting.
Balance flavors: Serve with a small side of fresh fruit or a light fruit coulis to balance the richness of the cream puffs and add a refreshing element.
Use fine china: Present the dish on fine china or a decorative platter to elevate the dining experience and reflect the high culinary standards.
Pay attention to detail: Ensure each cream puff is uniformly shaped and perfectly baked to demonstrate precision and skill in preparation.
Essential Tools for Making Cream Puffs at Home
Medium saucepan: Used for boiling water, butter, sugar, and salt, as well as for making the pastry cream.
Silpat lined baking sheets: Provides a non-stick surface for baking the cream puffs.
Wire cooling rack: Allows the cream puffs to cool completely and evenly after baking.
Mixing bowl: Used for whisking together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, flour, and salt for the pastry cream.
Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps, especially in the pastry cream.
Electric hand mixer: Used to whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar to make the sweetened whipped cream.
Fine-mesh strainer: Helps to remove any lumps from the pastry cream, ensuring a smooth texture.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the pastry cream, pressing directly against its surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Knife: Needed to cut the cooled cream puffs in half for filling.
Spoon: Useful for dropping the dough onto the baking sheets and for filling the cream puffs with pastry cream and whipped cream.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like water, milk, and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of smaller quantities like sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Cream Puffs
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for homemade cream puffs:
- Allow the cream puffs to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their shape.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cream puffs crisp. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze unfilled cream puffs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cream puffs to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen cream puffs, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until crisp and warm.
- If you have filled cream puffs that you want to store, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the longer they sit, the softer and soggier the pastry will become.
- It's not recommended to freeze filled cream puffs as the filling can become watery and the pastry can become soggy when thawed. It's best to fill the cream puffs just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Cream Puffs
The best way to reheat leftover cream puffs is to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp and warm throughout. This method helps to restore their crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Another option is to reheat the cream puffs in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cream puffs in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp and heated through. This method is quick and helps maintain the cream puffs' texture.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can wrap the cream puffs loosely in a damp paper towel and microwave them on high for 10-15 seconds. This method will soften the exterior while warming the inside, but be careful not to overheat them, as they may become soggy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also use a toaster oven. Place the cream puffs on the toaster oven rack and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp and heated through. This method is ideal for reheating small batches of cream puffs.
If you have stored the pastry cream and whipped cream separately, reheat the cream puffs using one of the above methods, then fill them with the chilled pastry cream and top with whipped cream just before serving. This ensures the best texture and flavor for your leftover cream puffs.
Interesting Fact About Cream Puffs
A fun fact about this cream puffs recipe is that the pastry cream used for the filling is a classic French crème pâtissière, which is a staple in many traditional French desserts.
Is Making Cream Puffs at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade cream puffs recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like bread flour, eggs, and milk are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. Specialty items like heavy cream and chocolate sauce might add to the cost but are not exorbitant. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 7 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it a delightful yet affordable dessert.
Are Cream Puffs Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade cream puffs recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe uses significant amounts of butter and heavy cream, which are high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Refined carbohydrates: The recipe calls for bread flour and all-purpose flour, which are refined carbohydrates. These types of carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
- High in sugar: The recipe includes granulated sugar and powdered sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
- Low in nutrients: The recipe does not include any significant sources of vitamins, minerals, or fiber, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some of the butter with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour and all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the impact on blood sugar levels.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or by simply using less sugar overall.
- Incorporate some nutrient-dense ingredients into the recipe, such as fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts, to add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Serve the cream puffs in smaller portions and pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the indulgence and add some nutritional value to the overall meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe
This homemade cream puffs recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The choux pastry is light and airy, perfectly complemented by the rich, velvety pastry cream. The addition of sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, while the chocolate sauce or powdered sugar finish provides a satisfying sweetness. The instructions are clear and methodical, ensuring a successful outcome even for novice bakers. Overall, this recipe promises an indulgent treat that is sure to impress at any gathering.
Enhance Your Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe:
This recipe for cream puffs is meticulously crafted to ensure perfect results every time. With detailed instructions and carefully selected ingredients like bread flour, whole milk, and heavy cream, you can trust that each step is designed for success. The combination of a crisp, golden exterior and a rich, creamy filling makes these pastries irresistible. Plus, the addition of chocolate sauce and sweetened whipped cream elevates the flavor to new heights. Follow this recipe, and you'll impress everyone with your baking skills.
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