Choice of cream

Cream Puffs – An Elegant Delight with Vanilla Filling

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Welcome to the sweet world of cream puffs, a refined dessert that combines the airy texture of the dough with a creamy vanilla filling. This dessert enjoys immense popularity due to its versatility and irresistible taste. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is known as a symbol of fine pastry, often served on special occasions. Today, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best cream puffs, enriching them with useful tips and ingredient information.

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 150 ml water
- 80 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g flour
- 3 large eggs (or 4 small eggs)

*For the filling:*
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding (recommended Dr. Oetker)
- 1 packet of whipped dessert mix (recommended Dr. Oetker)
- 1.15 l milk
- 8 tablespoons sugar

*For decoration:*
- Vanilla powdered sugar

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a saucepan, add the water, oil, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add all the flour at once. Use a whisk to quickly mix until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan. Keep it on the heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is essential to activate the gluten in the flour, which will make the dough rise beautifully in the oven.

2. Incorporating the eggs:
Let the dough cool slightly (it can be warm but not hot). Add the first egg and mix well until fully incorporated. Repeat with the other eggs, one at a time. It is important that each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. You will notice how the dough becomes smoother and shinier.

3. Shaping the puffs:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (high heat). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a pastry bag, form 12 puffs about 4 cm in diameter, spaced 3-4 cm apart to allow them to rise in the oven.

4. Baking:
Bake the puffs for 15 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking until golden (about 10 minutes). A secret to achieving perfect puffs is not to open the oven in the first 15 minutes of baking, as the warm air is essential to help them rise.

5. Cooling:
After baking, leave the puffs in the oven for another 10 minutes with the door slightly open to prevent them from collapsing. This step will maintain the airy texture.

6. Preparing the filling:
According to the package instructions, prepare the vanilla pudding using the milk and sugar. In another bowl, prepare the whipped dessert according to the instructions. Once the pudding has cooled, combine it with the whipped mix to obtain a creamy and delicious filling.

7. Assembling the dessert:
Cut each puff to create a larger base and a top. Using a pastry bag, fill the inner cavity of the puffs with the pudding filling and add a generous layer of whipped cream on top. Place the top back on and sprinkle with vanilla powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
Cream puffs are delicious when served immediately, but they can also be refrigerated to be enjoyed later. This dessert pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a flavored coffee, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing afternoon.

Tips and useful advice:
- To achieve an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the choux dough.
- If you want to experiment, try adding cocoa to the pudding for a chocolate version.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Nutritional information:
These puffs are a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and the vanilla filling adds calcium from the milk. On average, one serving (1 puff) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of milk for the pudding?
Yes, you can use almond or soy milk, but the texture and taste may vary.

- How can I store the puffs?
They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

- What can I do if the puffs don’t rise?
Make sure you followed the baking times and that you didn’t open the oven door in the first 15 minutes. Also, check that you didn’t add too much water to the dough.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and unleash your creativity in the kitchen! Cream puffs are waiting for you to turn them into delicious masterpieces. Enjoy!