Why Make This Recipe
Cream puffs, also known as profiteroles, are a delightful dessert that combines a light, airy pastry with a rich filling. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a fancy party. Making cream puffs from scratch might seem challenging, but with this simple recipe, you can impress your friends and family. The crunchy exterior combined with the creamy filling creates a delicious balance that everyone will love.
How to Make Cream Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For craquelin:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- To make the choux pastry, in a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat, add flour and salt, and stir until the dough forms a ball.
- Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
- For the cheesecake filling, whip the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the tops off the cooled puffs, fill with the cheesecake mixture, and replace the tops.
- For the craquelin, mix brown sugar, butter, and flour, roll out, and cut into circles to place on top of the puffs before baking.
- Serve and enjoy your elegant dessert!
How to Serve Cream Puffs
Cream puffs can be served on their own or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They are great for celebrations and can be arranged on a platter for guests to help themselves. You can also serve them with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream to make them even more special.
How to Store Cream Puffs
To keep your cream puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within a day or two of making them. If you want to keep the shells crisp, store them separately from the filling and combine them just before serving.
Tips to Make Cream Puffs
- Make sure to let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs. This will help to avoid cooking the eggs and will result in a better texture.
- When baking, give the puffs enough space on the baking sheet so they can rise without sticking together.
- Use a piping bag for filling the cream puffs to make it easier and cleaner.
Variations
You can customize cream puffs in various ways. Try adding chocolate or fruit flavors to the filling, or using whipped cream instead of the cheesecake mixture. You can also make mini versions for bite-sized treats at parties.
FAQs
Can I make the pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the choux pastry in advance and freeze it. Just bake the puffs, let them cool, and then freeze them in an airtight container.What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
If they don’t rise, it may be because the dough was too wet or the oven temperature was too low. Ensure the oven is preheated and that you follow the recipe closely.How do I know when the cream puffs are done?
The cream puffs should be golden brown on the outside and should feel light and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cream Puffs
Ingredients
For the choux pastry
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the cheesecake filling
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the craquelin
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preparation of Choux Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat, add flour and salt, and stir until the dough forms a ball.
- Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Preparation of Cheesecake Filling
- Whip the cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the tops off the cooled puffs, fill with the cheesecake mixture, and replace the tops.
Preparation of Craquelin
- Mix brown sugar, butter, and flour, roll out, and cut into circles.
- Place circles on top of the puffs before baking.
Serving
- Serve cream puffs on their own, or with chocolate sauce or powdered sugar.
- They can be arranged on a platter for guests or served with fresh berries or ice cream.