Name: Easy Cream Puff Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 ½ cups cold milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping; ¼ cup powdered sugar (for garnish); Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you adore the irresistible combination of delicate pastry, luscious cream, and a hint of chocolate, let me introduce you to your new favorite: Easy Cream Puff Dessert. This stunning dessert boasts all the elegance (and flavor!) of classic cream puffs, but without the fuss of individual piping and filling. The magic lies in the fluffy choux pastry baked as one gorgeous base, layered with a silky pudding-cream cheese filling, and crowned with clouds of whipped cream. It’s crowd-pleasing, fun to make, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering!

Easy Cream Puff Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Cream Puff Dessert is how it transforms a small handful of ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each component plays its part, from the puffy base to the dreamy topping—so don’t skip a thing!

Water: The foundation for creating steam in the choux pastry, which gives the dessert its signature puff.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and helps create the crisp, golden crust.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure for your pastry—scoop and level for accuracy!
Large Eggs: These work their magic for puff and tenderness; add one at a time for the smoothest results.
Cream Cheese (softened): Blends into a creamy, slightly tangy base for the filling—let it come to room temp for easy mixing.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Guarantees flawless thickness and that nostalgic cream puff taste.
Cold Milk: Use cold for smooth, lump-free pudding every time.
Heavy Whipping Cream or Whipped Topping: Adds a cloud-like finish; whip your own for extra decadence.
Powdered Sugar (for garnish): A snowy dusting takes presentation to the next level.
Chocolate Syrup (optional): Artistic drizzles are always encouraged—the chocolate brings out the vanilla flavors beautifully.

How to Make Easy Cream Puff Dessert

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Choux Pastry Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter, bringing them to a lively boil over medium heat. When the butter is melted and fully integrated, add all the flour at once. Stir with energy! Watch as the mixture transforms into a thick ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes—this’ll ensure your eggs don’t scramble in the next step.

Step 2: Add the Eggs for Fluffiness

Add your eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. The dough will look slippery and strange at first, but keep going! By that fourth egg, you’ll have a glossy, pipe-able batter. Spread this into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish—make sure it’s even for a uniform bake. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Resist opening the oven early, or the magic will deflate. Let cool completely before adding your filling.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling

While the crust chills, grab a mixing bowl and beat your softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth. In a second bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk—it’ll thicken up in just a few minutes. Fold this pudding into your cream cheese, blending until you have a dreamy, uniform filling. Spread this yummy layer over your cooled pastry, smoothing all the way to the edges.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Now comes the best part—a luxurious layer of whipped cream. Gently spoon or pipe it over the filling. If you love a little flourish, swirl it with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Pop the whole beauty in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set and chill—overnight is even better for melding the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give your Easy Cream Puff Dessert a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar. If you like extra pizzazz, drizzle ribbons of chocolate syrup on top. Slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Easy Cream Puff Dessert

Garnishes

The classic way to finish this delightful treat is with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but don’t stop there! A drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a bakery-worthy look and a hint of rich cocoa to balance the vanilla layers. For extra sparkle, you can sprinkle some grated chocolate or add berries for a fresh pop of color.

Side Dishes

This dreamy dessert is the perfect finale to almost any meal. Pair it with a mug of fresh coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or a fruit salad—its light, creamy texture complements anything from grilled mains to rich pastas. If you want to keep things fun and festive, offer espresso or sweet liqueurs alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

This deliciousness isn’t just for squares! Try cutting the chilled dessert into bite-sized cubes for a fun dessert platter, or use a round cutter for mini individual portions. For parties, serve Easy Cream Puff Dessert in parfait glasses: crumble the baked base, layer with filling, and top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for a jaw-dropping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (an impressive feat), cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to airtight containers. The Easy Cream Puff Dessert will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling remains creamy and the crust stays surprisingly tender.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Easy Cream Puff Dessert for future cravings! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Just note: whipped cream can sometimes lose a little of its fluffiness, but the flavor remains divine.

Reheating

This dessert is definitely at its best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply transfer a piece to a plate and let it sit for a few minutes if it’s just out of the fridge. The filling will relax and the flavors will really shine.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Chocolate pudding gives Easy Cream Puff Dessert a fun twist, making it even more decadent. You could even swirl both for a marbled effect—have fun with the layers!

What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?

If you’re in a pinch, you can use homemade pastry cream or custard. Just make sure it’s thick and well-chilled before folding it into the cream cheese for the best texture.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour when making the choux pastry. Be sure to check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well.

How far ahead can I make Easy Cream Puff Dessert?

This dessert is even tastier when made a day ahead—just cover and chill overnight. This gives the flavors time to blend, and the texture becomes extra dreamy.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and non-dairy whipped topping. The texture will be slightly different, but it’ll still capture the essence of Easy Cream Puff Dessert for those with dairy restrictions.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Easy Cream Puff Dessert—the way it brings people together always makes it the highlight of any table. If you’re looking for a simple yet show-stopping dessert, give this one a try. Full of creamy layers and puffy pastry, it’s pure comfort and joy in every bite!

Easy Cream Puff Dessert Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this delightful Easy Cream Puff Dessert that combines a light and airy choux crust with a luscious cream cheese and vanilla pudding filling, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Choux Crust:

1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 ½ cups cold milk

Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
¼ cup powdered sugar (for garnish)
Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the choux crust: Boil water and butter, add flour, then eggs. Spread in a baking dish and bake until golden.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, mix pudding with milk, combine with cream cheese, and spread over the crust.
Add topping and chill: Top with whipped cream, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.