MOM’S FAMOUS CREAM PUFFS

by

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive, look no further than Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. This recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for any special occasion or just because you deserve a treat. With a light and airy pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy filling, these cream puffs are sure to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup flour
  • 4 eggs

Mom’s Famous Filling:

  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
  • ⅓ cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cream puffs.
  2. Cook the Dough: In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and vanilla to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir constantly until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot and forms a smooth ball of dough. Remove the dough from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs: Once the dough has cooled enough to handle, beat in the eggs one at a time. Continue beating until each egg is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and glossy.
  4. Shape the Cream Puffs: Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should have around 8 large cream puffs. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
  5. Prevent Deflating: To avoid deflating, poke each cream puff with a toothpick as soon as they come out of the oven. Return them to the oven with the door cracked open and the heat turned off. This allows them to cool slowly and maintain their puffed shape.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the cream puffs cool, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding, and milk. Beat until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  7. Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the cream puffs are completely cool, slice them in half. Pipe or scoop the prepared filling into the bottom half of each puff. Replace the tops and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate, if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Serve Fresh: Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them soon after filling to ensure the pastry remains crisp and the filling stays creamy.
  2. Garnish for Extra Flair: Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving to add a touch of elegance and extra flavor. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
  3. Chill Before Serving: If you prefer a cooler treat, refrigerate the filled cream puffs for about 30 minutes before serving. This will make them extra refreshing and ensure the filling is perfectly chilled.
  4. Plate with Care: Arrange the cream puffs on a serving platter or cake stand for an attractive display. If you’re serving a crowd, consider filling the puffs just before serving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Storage Tips

  1. Store Unfilled Shells: If you need to make the cream puffs ahead of time, you can store the unfilled shells. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To crisp them up, you can briefly reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
  2. Store Filled Cream Puffs: Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They will keep for up to 2 days, but for the best texture, enjoy them within 24 hours.
  3. Freezing Options: You can freeze unfilled cream puffs for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. To serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed. Note that freezing filled cream puffs is not recommended, as the filling may affect the texture of the pastry.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs remain delicious and delightful whether enjoyed immediately or saved for later.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Cream Puffs: Mix cocoa powder into the cream puff dough for a chocolatey twist. For the filling, use chocolate pudding or fold in some melted chocolate into the vanilla pudding mixture.

2. Lemon Cream Puffs: Add lemon zest to the cream puff dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor. In the filling, use lemon pudding or mix in a bit of lemon curd to brighten up the cream.

3. Coffee Cream Puffs: Infuse the cream puff dough with instant coffee granules for a coffee-flavored pastry. In the filling, add a splash of coffee liqueur or mix in some coffee-flavored syrup for a sophisticated twist.

4. Fruit-Filled Cream Puffs: Incorporate fruit into the filling for a burst of flavor. Try adding fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to the vanilla filling, or use fruit-flavored pudding like strawberry or peach.

5. Almond Cream Puffs: Add almond extract to the cream puff dough for a nutty flavor. For the filling, use almond-flavored pudding or fold in chopped toasted almonds for added texture.

6. Spiced Cream Puffs: Mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of cardamom into the cream puff dough for a spiced twist. Pair this with a spiced cream filling or a caramel sauce drizzled on top.

7. Salted Caramel Cream Puffs: Drizzle the filled cream puffs with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. This adds a rich, sweet, and salty flavor to the dessert.

8. Nutella Cream Puffs: Blend Nutella into the cream filling for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor. You can also fold in some chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.

9. Maple Cream Puffs: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla extract in the cream puff dough, and use maple-flavored pudding or add a splash of maple syrup to the filling for a sweet, maple twist.

10. Mini Cream Puffs: Make smaller cream puffs for bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes and fill with a variety of flavors for an assortment of mini desserts.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures, making it easy to customize Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs to suit any taste or occasion. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist on this classic recipe!

FAQs:

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. However, it may slightly affect the cream puff’s texture and taste.

2. Can I make the dough in advance? The dough is best used fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating or freezing the dough as it may affect the texture.

3. How can I prevent the cream puffs from deflating? To prevent deflating, poke each cream puff with a toothpick as soon as they come out of the oven. Allow them to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar and the heat turned off.

4. Can I freeze cream puff shells? Yes, you can freeze unfilled cream puff shells. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before using.

5. How long will the filled cream puffs keep in the refrigerator? Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

6. Can I make the filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to fill the cream puffs just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.

7. What’s the best way to pipe the filling into the cream puffs? Use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip for easy filling. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to scoop the filling into the cream puffs.

8. Can I use a different flavor of pudding for the filling? Absolutely! You can use different flavors of instant pudding, such as chocolate, lemon, or butterscotch, to customize the filling to your taste.

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are not just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that will make any occasion special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply to indulge in a little self-care, these cream puffs offer a perfect balance of light, airy pastry and a rich, creamy filling. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a delightful treat that’s sure to impress everyone who tastes it. Try this recipe today, and you’ll understand why it’s become a family favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!