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Easy Homemade Cream Puffs

Easy Homemade Cream Puffs
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Easy Homemade Cream Puffs are light, airy choux pastry shells filled with luscious cream, perfect for any occasion. This quick and simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create fresh, fluffy, and irresistible pastries that can be customized with various fillings like vanilla pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Choux Pastry Dough

  • 1 cup water
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Filling Options

  • 1 cup milk or cream (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust according to filling sweetness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Additional ingredients as desired: chocolate, berries, flavored custards, whipped cream, etc.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Choux Pastry Dough: Bring water and butter to a boil in a saucepan until the butter is completely melted. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan, then allow it to cool slightly before adding eggs.
  2. Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the slightly cooled dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This creates a smooth, glossy batter that’s thick but pipeable, essential for perfect puff shapes.
  3. Pipe or Spoon Dough onto Baking Sheets: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to portion dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing dollops well apart to allow expansion during baking.
  4. Bake Until Puffy and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and feel hollow when tapped. Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent collapse.
  5. Cool Completely Before Filling: Transfer baked shells to a wire rack and let them cool fully before slicing and filling, ensuring cream stays fresh and shells remain crisp.
  6. Fill with Your Choice of Cream: Slice the puff shells in half or make a small opening, then pipe or spoon in your chosen filling such as vanilla pastry cream, whipped cream, or chocolate mousse.

Notes

  • Measure flour accurately using a kitchen scale to avoid dense dough.
  • Do not add eggs to hot dough; allow it to cool slightly first.
  • Use fresh eggs for better rise and texture.
  • Maintain steady oven temperature; do not open oven early.
  • Cool puffs completely before filling to prevent cream melting and soggy shells.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream puffs, choux pastry, homemade cream puffs, easy cream puffs, French pastry, dessert, pastry cream, whipped cream

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/easy-homemade-cream-puffs/