Cream Puffs (Choux Pastry Recipe)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
14
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Calories
185 kcal
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Course
Bread, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
French
Cream Puffs (Choux Pastry Recipe)
Description
The Cream Puffs recipe uses choux pastry dough composed of butter, water, flour, and room-temperature eggs, cooked on the stove and then baked at a high temperature until golden and hollow inside. The filling combines a homemade custard base cooled with Grand Marnier and folded with whipped cream for lightness. Optionally, a chocolate ganache made from dark chocolate and cream can be drizzled atop the cooled puffs. If preferred, a simple dusting of confectioners sugar can be used instead. Baking the choux pastry causes it to rise and form a crisp exterior with a soft, hollow center, ideal for filling. The steps involve preparing the dough, shaping dollops on a baking sheet, baking thoroughly, and then assembling the dessert once everything is cooled.
These cream puffs can serve as elegant desserts or party treats, showcasing a balance between the crisp shell and luscious custard filling. The flavor is enhanced subtly by the Grand Marnier, which complements the creamy texture. The optional chocolate glaze adds richness for those who prefer a chocolate accent.
Ingredients
Cream Puffs:
- ½ cup butter (good quality)
- 8 oz water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 egg at room temperature
Filling:
- 1 recipe custard printable card below using all the same ingredients, but reduce the milk to ¾ cup or 175 ml, homemade
- 6 oz heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp Grand Marnier
Chocolate Ganache(optional):
- ¼ cup dark chocolate
- 1 ½ oz heavy whipping cream
Alternative Topping:
- 1 Tbsp confectioners sugar as needed
Instructions
Make the Choux Pastry:
- Heat oven to 400ºF.
- First prepare the choux pastry, by placing the butter and water in a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat, until it comes to a rolling boil.
- Add the flour, all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for about a minute until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat, and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Add an egg, beating well, until well incorporated, before adding the next. Repeat with remaining eggs until. the batter is smooth and satiny.
- Place spoonfuls of the batter onto a prepared baking sheet, about 3" apart.
- Bake for about 30 minutes. Turn off oven, and leave for 10 minutes, then place on cooling rack. While the cream puffs are baking, make the filling and chocolate glaze (see recipes below.)
Make the Filling:
- Whisk the prepared custard, and allow to cool, stirring occasionally so it doesn't form a skin. Add the Grand Marnier.
- Fold in the whipped cream, until evenly blended. Keep covered and refrigerated until needed.
Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- Be sure to make this just before you want to finish your cream puffs.
- Make the chocolate glaze by placing the chocolate and cream together in a small pot and stir until the chocolate is melted and the consistency is smooth.
Assemble:
- When the cream puffs are cool, slice in half (don't go all the way through so the top and bottom are still attached) and remove any filaments of raw dough with a spoon or even your fingers.
- Fill each cream puff with some of the cream filling (or freshly whipped cream).
Decorate:
- Coat the tops with the chocolate glaze. Refrigerate for ½ hour or so to set the glaze.
- Alternately, you can dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar.
- Best when served as soon as possible.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth choux batter.
- Let the custard cool while stirring occasionally to prevent a skin forming before folding in whipped cream.
- When baking, place dollops spaced 3 inches apart for even rising and proper expansion.
- The chocolate ganache should be made while cream puffs bake so it’s ready to use when puffs are cooled.
- Use a sharp knife to cut each puff before filling to keep their shape intact.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 185 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 cream puff | |
| Calories | 185kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 94mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 85mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 495IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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