Profiterole with cherry ice cream

Profiterole with Cherry Ice Cream

I have always considered profiterole to be one of the most elegant and delicious desserts, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. This dessert, with its light and fluffy texture, filled with cherry ice cream and covered in a decadent chocolate glaze, will transform any meal into a true celebration of taste. Let’s embark on this captivating recipe, full of flavors and textures!

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 profiteroles

Ingredients

For the profiterole dough:
- 225 ml water
- 125 ml oil
- 140 g flour
- 4 eggs (preferably large)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 serving of cherry ice cream (or your preferred ice cream)

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream

A Bit of History

Profiterole has deep roots in gastronomic history, originating from medieval pastry recipes. This elegant dessert gained popularity due to its versatility and refined appearance. Today, it is a symbol of fine sweets, often associated with special occasions and celebrations. Filled with cherry ice cream, this profiterole becomes not just a dessert, but a perfect culinary experience.

Preparing the Dough

1. Boil Water and Oil: In a medium saucepan, add water, oil, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture come to a boil. It is essential to reach this stage to achieve the perfect dough texture.

2. Add the Flour: Once the water and oil are boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. You will notice that the dough will quickly transform into a compact ball that pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.

3. Cool the Dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool completely. It is crucial not to add the eggs to the warm dough, as it may coagulate and not have the desired consistency.

4. Add the Eggs: Once the dough is cool, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. You will achieve a slightly sticky and elastic dough, perfect for shaping.

Shaping and Baking the Profiteroles

5. Prepare the Baking Tray: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

6. Shape the Profiteroles: Use a piping bag to form rosettes of dough on the prepared tray. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to form small balls of dough. Make sure to leave enough space between each profiterole, as they will rise while baking.

7. Bake the Profiteroles: Place the tray in the oven and bake the profiteroles for 30 minutes. For the first 15 minutes, keep the oven at a high temperature to help the dough rise. DO NOT open the oven door during baking! Finally, when they are golden brown, turn off the oven and let them cool inside for 10 minutes.

Filling and Glazing

8. Fill the Profiteroles: After they have cooled, cut the top off each profiterole and fill it with a scoop of cherry ice cream. Replace the top and place them in a container in the freezer.

9. Prepare the Glaze: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the liquid cream in a bain-marie. Stir until you achieve a smooth and glossy consistency. Let the glaze cool slightly before using it.

10. Apply the Glaze: Remove the profiteroles from the freezer and carefully pour the chocolate glaze over each profiterole. Make sure they are well coated. Place them back in the freezer to allow the glaze to set.

Serving the Profiteroles

When you are ready to serve, take the profiteroles out of the freezer about 10 minutes beforehand. This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, but can also be enjoyed alongside a glass of sweet wine.

Tips and Variations

- Ice Cream: Substitute cherry ice cream with any other preferred flavor, such as vanilla or chocolate. You can experiment with various toppings, such as crushed nuts or caramel.

- Texture: If you want your profiteroles to be even fluffier, add a little baking powder to the profiterole dough.

- Presentation: For an extra decoration, you can sprinkle cocoa or fresh raspberries on top before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

- Cherry Ice Cream: Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, having a beneficial impact on heart health and reducing inflammation. Cherry ice cream will provide you with a dose of energy and refreshment on hot days.

- Dark Chocolate: This is a source of antioxidants and can improve heart health. Consuming it in moderation can contribute to well-being due to its positive effect on mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why shouldn’t I open the oven door? Opening the oven door during baking can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which will cause the profiteroles to deflate.

- How can I keep the profiteroles longer? You can store the filled profiteroles in the freezer and take them out a few minutes before serving.

- Can I use other types of flour? It is preferable to use white pastry flour, as it contains less gluten, which helps achieve a light texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! The profiterole with cherry ice cream will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every step of the preparation and the delicious final result!