Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling Recipe
Imagine biting into a crisp, golden pastry shell that gives way to a cloud of silky, aromatic vanilla cream—this is the magic of Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling. This recipe brings together the time-honored French technique of choux pastry and the irresistible allure of homemade vanilla cream, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply to treat yourself, these cream puffs promise a blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone at your table swooning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about crafting Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling is just how simple—and yet essential—each ingredient is. Every component plays a starring role, from the rich butter that gives the pastry its flavor to the pure vanilla extract that perfumes the cream. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dreamy dessert to life:
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the choux pastry.
- Water (1 cup): The key liquid that creates steam for puffing up the pastry shells.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of the pastry, lending structure and body.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for the rise and characteristic texture of choux pastry.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Forms the creamy base of the luscious vanilla filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream and enhances the overall flavor.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Thickens the vanilla cream, giving it that perfect custardy consistency.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch, again, to balance and elevate the sweetness of the filling.
- Egg yolks (4 large): Make the cream filling extra rich and velvety.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Stirred into the cream for silkiness and shine.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): The heart of the filling’s flavor, don’t skimp on quality here.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a touch of elegance to the finished cream puffs.
How to Make Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cream puffs bake evenly and release perfectly. Gathering your ingredients and having your tools ready will make every step a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then add the flour in one go. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball—this takes about 1 to 2 minutes and is incredibly satisfying! Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes, which helps the eggs incorporate smoothly without scrambling.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Don’t rush—this is what gives your choux pastry its signature glossy finish and airy lift. Once the dough is smooth and shiny, it’s ready to be shaped.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Puffs
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a couple of spoons to drop 2-inch mounds onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to puff up. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the puffs are deeply golden and beautifully risen. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Create the Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
While your puffs are cooling, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then transfer to a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled and set.
Step 6: Fill and Finish Your Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Once both components are cool, slice the cream puffs in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the chilled vanilla cream filling into the bottom halves, then cap them with their tops. If you’d like, dust with a flourish of powdered sugar for that classic patisserie look. Serve your Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling chilled or at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Garnishes
A gentle snowfall of powdered sugar is the traditional finish, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a drizzle of melted chocolate, a scattering of toasted slivered almonds, or even a few edible flower petals for a touch of whimsy. Each garnish adds its own flair, making these cream puffs a true showstopper.
Side Dishes
Serve Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling alongside a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of sorbet, or a rich espresso for a sophisticated dessert course. Their delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with tart or fruity flavors, and a little acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cream puffs into a tower for a croquembouche-inspired centerpiece, or nestle them in cupcake liners for easy sharing at parties. For individual desserts, serve each puff on a plate with a swirl of berry coulis or a little chocolate sauce. The possibilities are as delightful as the puffs themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pastry will soften slightly over time, but the flavor and creaminess remain utterly irresistible for up to two days after assembly.
Freezing
To freeze, keep the pastry shells and vanilla cream filling separate. Freeze unfilled shells in a zip-top bag for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before filling. The cream filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days, but it’s not suitable for freezing as it may separate when thawed.
Reheating
If your puff shells have lost a bit of their crispness, refresh them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes before filling. Let them cool completely, then add the vanilla cream filling and serve. This little trick makes homemade Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling taste bakery-fresh even after being stored.
FAQs
Why did my cream puffs collapse after baking?
This usually happens if the puffs are underbaked or if the oven door is opened too early. Make sure they are golden brown and feel firm before removing from the oven, and let them cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their structure.
Can I make the vanilla cream filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day in advance and chilled until you’re ready to assemble. Just give it a quick whisk before using to restore its silky texture.
What’s the best way to fill cream puffs?
You can use a piping bag fitted with a plain tip to pipe the filling into the sliced puffs, or simply spoon it in for a more rustic approach. Either way, be generous—the luscious vanilla cream is what makes these treats unforgettable!
Can I add flavors to the cream filling?
Definitely! Fold in a bit of citrus zest, swap some of the vanilla for almond or coffee extract, or stir in a spoonful of melted chocolate for a delicious twist. The classic recipe for Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling is wonderfully versatile.
How do I keep the choux pastry crisp?
Bake the puffs thoroughly and let them cool on a wire rack to allow steam to escape. If you need to store them, keep the shells unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature, and fill them just before serving for maximum crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant, Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling will absolutely hit the spot. I hope you’ll give them a try—whether for a special gathering or just to indulge yourself. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sharing a homemade cream puff, filled to the brim with joy and luscious vanilla cream!
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Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic French cream puffs filled with a luscious homemade vanilla cream. Light and airy choux pastry shells encase a rich, velvety vanilla custard that makes for an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Choux Pastry
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Vanilla Cream Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Choux Pastry Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Quickly add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Continue until the dough is smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon to drop 2-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes or until the puffs are golden and fully puffed.
- Cool the Pastry: Remove the cream puffs from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Vanilla Cream Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5–7 minutes.
- Finish the Cream: Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until fully combined. Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely chilled.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the puffs and filling have cooled, slice each cream puff horizontally using a sharp knife. Fill the bottom halves with the vanilla cream using a spoon or piping bag. Replace the tops and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve the cream puffs chilled or at room temperature, enjoying their delicate textures and creamy filling.
Notes
- You can prepare the pastry and the vanilla cream filling a day ahead and assemble the cream puffs just before serving to save time.
- For a chocolate variation, drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs or incorporate cocoa powder into the cream filling.
- Ensure that the pastry is completely cooled before slicing to avoid deflating the light, airy shells.
- Use fresh eggs and high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
