Cream Puffs with a Light, Airy Shell and Sweet, Velvety Cream Filling

Cream puffs are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a combination of delicate pastry and indulgent cream. These light and fluffy pastries are filled with smooth whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a treat that’s both elegant and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cream puffs are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter melts completely and the water begins to simmer.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat, add the flour and salt, and stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then, one at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth, shiny, and thick.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe small, round mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown, puffed up, and dry on the inside. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes to allow the puffs to cool slowly.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until soft peaks form.
2. Be careful not to overwhip the cream – it should be smooth and fluffy, holding its shape without being too stiff.

Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Once the puffs are completely cooled, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
2. Fill the bottom halves with a generous amount of whipped cream.
3. Place the top halves of the puffs over the filled bottoms and gently press them down.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving.
2. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs

1. Bake Long Enough: Ensure the cream puffs are golden and dry inside. If they’re not baked properly, they can become soggy when filled.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the pastry to cool completely before filling it. Warm puffs could cause the whipped cream to melt.
3. Experiment with Fillings: While the classic whipped cream filling is always a hit, you can also experiment with other fillings like custard, pastry cream, or even chocolate mousse for a delicious twist.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Puffs

• Perfectly Light and Flaky: These cream puffs have a delicate, crispy exterior that’s light and airy, perfectly complementing the smooth, creamy filling.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this elegant dessert in no time!
• Endless Variations: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste – add a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy twist or fill with chocolate ganache for a richer flavor.

Try These Cream Puffs for a Sweet Treat

These cream puffs are the ideal dessert for any occasion – light, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them with your family, they’re sure to bring joy and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it in the comments!