Profiterole

Vanilla Cream Puffs with Whipped Cream: A Classic Delight

Welcome to the world of refined desserts! Today, I will share with you the recipe for vanilla cream puffs with whipped cream, a dessert that combines airy textures and intense flavors. These little delights are perfect for impressing friends or family on any special occasion, but also for treating yourself during personal indulgence moments. Whether you are a beginner cook or a professional, the recipe for cream puffs is simple yet yields spectacular results.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10 puffs

Necessary ingredients

For the puffs:
- 250 ml water
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g flour
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)

For the cream:
- 300 ml milk
- 1 packet of vanilla cream from Dr. Oetker (or your preferred vanilla cream)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the syrup:
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa

For the whipped cream:
- 250 ml liquid cream (unsweetened, for a balanced taste)

Useful tips about ingredients

- Flour: Use type 000 or 550 flour for a fine texture. If you want to make the puffs less dense, you can use gluten-free flour.
- Eggs: It's important to use eggs at room temperature to achieve a better emulsion and allow the puffs to rise better in the oven.
- Margarine: You can replace margarine with butter for a richer taste. Butter will add a delicious flavor to the puffs.
- Vanilla cream: If you prefer, you can use homemade vanilla cream by combining milk, sugar, and natural vanilla.

Preparation

1. Preparing the puffs: In a saucepan, add water, margarine, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and, when the margarine has completely melted, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and achieves a uniform consistency. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

2. Adding the eggs: Once the mixture has cooled, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. It is important to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next, so you will achieve an airy and fluffy mixture.

3. Baking the puffs: Preheat the oven to 200°C. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form small mounds of the mixture using a teaspoon. Make sure to leave space between the puffs as they will expand. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and rise beautifully. Avoid opening the oven in the first 15 minutes to not affect the baking process.

4. Preparing the cream: In a small bowl, mix a little milk with the vanilla cream to dissolve it. Meanwhile, bring the remaining milk to a boil. When it is warm, pour the vanilla cream into the milk and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the cream thickens, then add the honey, stirring a bit more. Let it cool.

5. Preparing the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, honey, sugar, and cocoa. Bring to a boil and let it simmer until the mixture becomes a thick syrup. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

6. Preparing the whipped cream: Using a mixer, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. You can add sugar for sweetness, but I recommend leaving it natural to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

7. Assembling the puffs: When the puffs have completely cooled, slice them in half. Fill each puff with the vanilla cream, then add a scoop of ice cream on top. Use a plastic bag with a cut tip to add the whipped cream. Finally, drizzle with the cocoa syrup.

Serving suggestions

To add a touch of refinement, you can sprinkle cocoa or grated chocolate on top. These puffs are delicious served alongside a fruit tea or a fragrant espresso. I also recommend pairing them with vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbet for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible variations

- Chocolate puffs: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa to the puff mixture for a chocolate version.
- Fruit cream: Replace the vanilla cream with a fruit cream, such as strawberry or raspberry, for a fresh note.
- Decorations: You can adorn the puffs with fresh fruits, caramel sauce, or crushed nuts for a more sophisticated look and taste.

Nutritional information

Each puff contains approximately 180 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good choice for a special occasion, but like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation. Nutritional benefits include calcium from milk and proteins from eggs, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if the puffs don't rise?
Make sure you followed the correct quantities and steps, especially regarding the oven temperature. Also, do not open the oven during baking.

Can I make the puffs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance, but it is recommended to fill them with the cream just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

How can I store the puffs?
It is best to keep them in an airtight container, but no more than two days, as they can become soft.

I wish you good luck in cooking and enjoy every bite of these delicious puffs! Bon appétit!