Cream puffs

Cream Puff Recipe with Pudding Cream

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Cream puffs are an elegant dessert with a slightly crispy exterior and a delicious, creamy filling that will win your heart. This quick recipe, made with pudding cream, is perfect for those moments when you need a tasty treat but don't have much time. Often, when we think of cream puffs, we imagine sophisticated parties or festive meals, but this recipe can easily be made at home, bringing a touch of magic to every day.

History of Cream Puffs

Cream puffs have deep roots in culinary tradition, being a dessert that has evolved over time. The name "choux" comes from French, where "cabbage" refers to the round shape of these filled pastries. From the first use of choux pastry, which was originally created to make éclairs and pancakes, this recipe has been adapted and reinterpreted, becoming a symbol of culinary refinement.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 150 ml oil
- 300 ml water
- 200 g flour
- 6 eggs

For the cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 250 g butter for baking
- 600 ml milk
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1/2 packet of cream stabilizer

For decoration:
- Chocolate glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

1. In a saucepan, combine the oil and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and wait for it to start boiling.
2. When the water and oil start to boil, add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This is an important step to achieve the correct consistency.
3. Turn off the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.
4. Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition, until all 6 eggs are incorporated. The dough should be smooth and shiny.

2. Baking the Cream Puffs

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Using a piping bag or a spoon, form small balls of dough on the prepared tray, making sure to leave enough space between them as they will puff up while baking.
3. Bake the cream puffs for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden and firm to the touch. Avoid opening the oven in the first 20 minutes to keep the steam in.
4. Once baked, remove them from the oven and, while still warm, cut off the top of each puff with a small knife. This step will prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

3. Preparing the Cream

1. Prepare the puddings according to the instructions on the package, but with 600 ml of milk (instead of the recommended amount). This will make the cream denser and richer.
2. Once the pudding is ready, add the butter cut into cubes and mix well until smooth. Let the cream cool completely.
3. Whip the liquid cream with the stabilizer until you achieve a firm consistency. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding cream to maintain its lightness.

4. Assembling the Cream Puffs

1. Fill each puff with a generous spoonful of cream.
2. Use a piping bag to decorate the top with whipped cream. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to carefully add the whipped cream.
3. Place the cap back on each puff and, for an extra touch of flavor, glaze them with melted chocolate.

Practical Tips

- For a perfect result: Make sure the dough is well mixed and that the eggs are completely incorporated. A good technique is to use an electric mixer to save time and effort.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors in the pudding cream, such as chocolate or caramel, to give your dessert a personal touch.
- Serving: These cream puffs are perfect for festive occasions, but they can also be a delicious dessert for the weekend. They are delightful alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough a day in advance?
It is not recommended, as the dough will lose its airiness. It’s best to prepare it fresh.

2. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer flavor, but make sure it is at room temperature before adding it to the pudding.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
Choux dough can be filled with various creams or even made in a savory version, such as with cheese or meat.

4. How do I store the cream puffs?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, but consume them as soon as possible to enjoy their crispy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Cream puffs are a dessert that, although considered indulgent, also has some benefits. The eggs in the dough provide quality protein, while the pudding cream offers calcium from milk. Of course, moderation is key, but a serving of cream puffs can be a little pleasure that brightens your day.

In conclusion, cream puffs are not just a refined dessert, but also a joyful experience in the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the final result with your loved ones!