Parisian with pastry cream

Cream Puffs - A Dreamy Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cream puffs

At the heart of every dessert recipe lies a story. Cream puffs are a perfect example of culinary fantasy, a delicious combination of soft and airy dough, full of flavor, filled with a fine and velvety cream. This recipe is not just a simple dessert but an experience that will fill your home with enticing aromas and transport you to a world of good cheer. So, let’s embark together on the preparation of these delicious cream puffs!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 1 kg type 000 flour (ideal for a fluffy dough)
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 14 g dry yeast)
- 220 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Zest of 2 lemons (adds a fresh scent)
- 125 g melted butter (for a rich dough)
- 600 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to activate the yeast)

*For the pastry cream:*

- 800 ml milk (you can use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (to thicken the cream)
- 4 egg yolks (essential for a rich cream)
- 250 g sugar (or to taste)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for a balanced taste)
- 80 g butter (for creaminess)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with a tablespoon of sugar and 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Gently stir and let it sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, remaining sugar, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast.

3. Forming the dough: Add the melted butter and the remaining milk. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until a soft dough begins to form. If necessary, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

5. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the Pastry Cream

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cream.

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 100 ml of cold milk. Add the sugar and egg yolks, gently mixing with a fork until you obtain a smooth mixture.

2. Boiling the cream: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add the remaining milk, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. Place over medium heat and, stirring constantly, bring the cream to a boil. Once it starts boiling, continue stirring until it thickens. This is when the cream becomes velvety and delicious!

3. Cooling the cream: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter. Stir until fully incorporated. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming.

Forming the Cream Puffs

1. Shaping the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it back to the work surface. Divide it into balls the size of an egg. Each ball will become a delicious cream puff.

2. Filling: Flatten each ball in your palm, add a tablespoon of cooled cream in the center, and fold the dough to close the cream. Make sure it is well sealed; otherwise, the cream will leak during baking.

3. Arranging on the tray: Place the cream puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to rise. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for 20 minutes.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the cream puffs with a little oil or melted butter to achieve a beautiful crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

Serving

Once the cream puffs are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing touch. These delicious cream puffs are perfect for a brunch, a festive meal, or simply to indulge your taste buds!

Helpful Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors in the pastry cream, such as chocolate or coffee, to tailor the recipe to your tastes.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A cream puff contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. They are a source of energizing carbohydrates and, thanks to the eggs and milk, also have a good protein content.
- Frequently asked questions: Can you use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, just make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

Conclude this culinary experience with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy every bite of these fluffy and aromatic cream puffs. Enjoy your meal!