Easy Cream Puffs Recipe

Cream puffs are classic French pastries that are light, airy, and filled with a creamy, velvety filling. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at any party, gathering, or holiday celebration. With a crisp exterior and a rich, creamy filling, these cream puffs are guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Cream Puffs:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup flour
• 4 eggs

For the Filling:

• 2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz each)
• 1 ⅓ cup cold whole milk
• 8 oz sour cream
• Powdered sugar for topping

Instructions

Cream Puffs:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Melt butter in water and bring to a rolling boil.
• Stir in flour vigorously over low heat until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan (about 1 minute).
• Remove from heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.
• Beat in eggs one at a time using a mixer until smooth and velvety.
• Drop dough by spoonfuls (walnut-sized) onto a baking sheet lined with silicone mat or parchment paper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until dry and golden. Cooling may take longer depending on your oven.
• Allow cream puffs to cool completely before filling.

Filling:

• Mix instant vanilla pudding with cold milk until smooth.
• Add sour cream and blend until thick.
• Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
• Slice cooled cream puffs in half and fill with the chilled pudding mixture.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately after filling for the best texture.
• Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.
• For extra crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add cocoa powder to the pudding or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
2. Strawberry Cream Puffs: Mix chopped fresh strawberries into the filling.
3. Lemon Cream Puffs: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and zest to the pudding mixture.
4. Coffee Cream Puffs: Dissolve instant coffee granules in milk before mixing with pudding.
5. Pumpkin Cream Puffs: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the filling.
6. Caramel Cream Puffs: Drizzle caramel sauce on top after filling.
7. Raspberry Cream Puffs: Fold fresh raspberries into the filling.
8. Nutella Cream Puffs: Swirl Nutella into the pudding mixture for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
9. Coconut Cream Puffs: Mix shredded coconut into the filling.
10. Peach Cream Puffs: Fold diced peaches into the filling for a fruity twist.
11. Almond Cream Puffs: Add almond extract to the filling and sprinkle toasted almonds on top.
12. Banana Cream Puffs: Slice bananas and layer them inside with the filling.
13. Mint Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add peppermint extract to chocolate filling for a minty treat.
14. Matcha Cream Puffs: Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into the filling.
15. Mixed Berry Cream Puffs: Add blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to the filling for a berry explosion.

FAQs

1. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
   Yes, bake the puffs ahead and fill them just before serving.
2. Why didn’t my cream puffs rise?
   Check the oven temperature and ensure eggs are added one at a time and fully incorporated.
3. Can I freeze cream puffs?
   Yes, unfilled cream puffs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
4. What can I use instead of instant pudding?
   You can make homemade custard with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cornstarch.
5. Can I use low-fat milk?
   Whole milk is best for a creamy texture, but 2% can work with slightly less richness.
6. How do I get crispier puffs?
   Bake until golden and dry. Avoid opening the oven during the first 15 minutes.
7. Can I use whipped cream instead of pudding?
   Yes, whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream makes a lighter filling.
8. How long will filled cream puffs last?
   Filled cream puffs last about 2 days in the refrigerator.
9. Can I use chocolate pudding?
   Absolutely, chocolate pudding works perfectly for a chocolate variation.
10. Can I make mini cream puffs?
    Yes, drop smaller spoonfuls for bite-sized puffs; adjust baking time to 15-18 minutes.

These cream puffs are incredibly easy to make, yet they look elegant and taste gourmet. Perfect for dessert tables, afternoon tea, or special occasions, they’re light, creamy, and a crowd-pleaser.

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