Why Make This Recipe
Cream puffs, or profiteroles, are a delightful treat that everyone loves. They are light, airy, and can be filled with delicious creams or custards. Making them at home is satisfying and allows you to customize the flavors and fillings to your taste. Whether for a party, a special occasion, or just a treat for yourself, cream puffs are sure to impress.
How to Make Cream Puffs
Making cream puffs is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delightful pastries. Here’s how you can do it at home.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar (for craquelin)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened, for craquelin)
- 1/4 cup flour (for craquelin)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil.
- Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball; then remove from heat.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- For the craquelin, mix the sugar, softened butter, and flour until crumbly; sprinkle it over the choux pastry.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed up.
- For the filling, whip the cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled, cut the tops off the cream puffs, fill them with the cheesecake filling, and replace the tops.
- Serve and enjoy your airy and delicious cream puffs!
How to Serve Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are best served fresh. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top. They make a beautiful dessert for any gathering.
How to Store Cream Puffs
To store cream puffs, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but they can last for about 2-3 days. For the best texture, avoid filling them until you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make Cream Puffs
- Make sure your butter and water are boiling before adding the flour. This helps create the right texture.
- Do not open the oven during baking, as this can cause the puffs to deflate.
- Allow them to cool completely before filling them to avoid sogginess.
Variation
You can fill cream puffs with various fillings like chocolate mousse, whipped cream, or pastry cream. You can also dip them in chocolate for an extra flavor boost!
FAQs
-
Can I make cream puff dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just bake them directly from the freezer. -
Why did my cream puffs not puff?
If your cream puffs did not puff up, it might be due to too much liquid in your dough or not enough heat in the oven. -
Can I use different flavors for the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like lemon, raspberry, or caramel in your fillings.
Cream Puffs
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Craquelin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup flour
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil.
- Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball; then remove from heat.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Baking
- For the craquelin, mix the sugar, softened butter, and flour until crumbly; sprinkle it over the choux pastry.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed up.
Filling
- For the filling, whip the cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled, cut the tops off the cream puffs, fill them with the cheesecake filling, and replace the tops.
- Serve and enjoy your airy and delicious cream puffs!