Cream puffs are a classic dessert, loved for their light, airy shell and creamy filling. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a delightful treat, cream puffs hit the sweet spot. These delicate pastries are filled with a luxurious vanilla pudding whipped cream, making them the perfect indulgence. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating delicious Cream Dream Puffs, with tips for both regular and keto-friendly options. Let’s dive into this delectable dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cream Puff Shell:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding (3.4 ounces)
Instructions for Making Cream Dream Puffs
Step 1: Preparing the Pastry Dough (Choux Pastry)
- Boil Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the 1 cup of flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool Slightly: Let the dough cool for about 3-5 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- Mix in Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial as the dough needs to absorb the eggs completely to achieve the desired puffiness.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Stir in the vanilla extract and white sugar to the dough until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Baking the Pastry
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pipe or Scoop Dough: Using a spoon or a pastry bag with a round tip, place 1-inch mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The cream puff shells should be dry to the touch and hollow inside.
- Cool: Let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack before filling them with the cream.
Step 3: Making the Cream Filling
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 pint of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add Milk and Pudding Mix: Add 1/3 cup of milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix to the whipped cream. Whip for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cream filling for about 15-20 minutes before using it.
Step 4: Filling the Cream Puffs
- Slice or Pipe: Carefully slice each cream puff in half, or create a small hole in the bottom of the puff.
- Fill with Cream: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill the cooled cream puffs with the prepared vanilla pudding whipped cream filling.
- Serve: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce, if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overmix: When making the dough, ensure you don’t overmix after adding the eggs, as this can prevent the puffs from rising properly.
- Bake Until Golden: Make sure the puffs are golden brown and crisp. If underbaked, they can collapse.
- Storage: Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once filled, they should be refrigerated and enjoyed within 1-2 days.
Variations
Keto Cream Dream Puffs
If you’re following a keto diet, traditional cream puffs are high in carbs due to the flour and sugar. But, don’t worry, you can make keto-friendly cream puffs with a few simple substitutions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour (instead of all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup water
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon erythritol (instead of sugar)
Keto Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
Instructions:
- Follow the same instructions as above, but use almond flour and erythritol in place of the flour and sugar. Ensure that the dough is smooth and thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
- For the filling, whip the heavy cream and almond milk, and add sugar-free vanilla pudding mix for a keto-friendly creamy center.
Low-Carb Version:
If you’re looking to reduce carbs but don’t necessarily need a full keto recipe, try this low-carb variation.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut flour (replacing half of the all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup water
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (a lower-glycemic index option)
Low-Carb Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- Low-sugar vanilla pudding mix
Instructions:
- Replace half the flour with coconut flour and swap sugar with coconut sugar.
- Use a low-sugar pudding mix in the filling to keep the carbs down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cream puffs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and fill them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
2. Why did my cream puffs collapse?
Cream puffs collapse when they are underbaked or if the oven door is opened too soon. Make sure to bake them until they are a deep golden brown, and avoid opening the oven door during baking.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For best results, consume them within 1-2 days.
4. Can I freeze cream puffs?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cream puffs without the filling. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before filling.
5. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Cream puffs are versatile, and you can fill them with custard, pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or even savory fillings like chicken salad for a unique twist.
6. Is there a dairy-free option for cream puffs?
Yes! You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free butter, coconut cream for whipping, and almond milk in the pudding mix.
Making Cream Dream Puffs at home is a rewarding experience, offering a balance of light, crisp pastry and rich, creamy filling. Whether you choose to stick with the classic recipe or experiment with keto and low-carb variations, these delightful treats are sure to impress.
With just a few ingredients and some helpful tips, you can create bakery-quality cream puffs in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try the variations mentioned and even customize the fillings to your taste.
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
