Vanilla Cream Puffs
Vanilla Cream Puffs are ethereal delights originating from French culinary traditions, featuring light, airy choux pastry filled with a rich, creamy vanilla filling. Their simplicity belies the elegance and decadence of each bite, making them an impressive addition to any dessert spread.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 12 cream puffs.
Ingredients
- Water: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
- All-purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g)
- Large Eggs: 4
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: 1 package (3.4 ounces or 96g)
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) for filling, plus more for dusting
- Optional for garnish: Melted Chocolate or Powdered Sugar
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, boil 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the boiling mixture all at once, stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
- Pipe the dough into 12 mounds on the prepared baking sheet, using a piping bag.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Prick each puff with a knife to release steam and prevent collapsing. Let cool on a wire rack.
- For the filling, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, and the package of vanilla instant pudding mix in a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of sugar. Whisk until smooth and thickened.
- Once the pastry shells and filling have cooled, fill the pastries with the vanilla cream using a piping bag.
- Optionally, garnish with melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
These Vanilla Cream Puffs, with their golden, crisp exterior and luxurious vanilla cream filling, promise a divine taste experience in every bite. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat, they are a testament to the joy of baking and the elegance of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 5g