Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

These cream puffs are unlike any others you may have had before. For my mom’s famous cream puffs, the secret lies in her amazing filling. Some try to pass off a filling of bland vanilla pudding. Not this time. This filling does have a pudding base but with the addition of heavy cream whipped in you just can’t go wrong. It is rich, decadent and everything a cream puff filling should be! The shells are also ultra light making them the perfect vessel to hold all of that yummy cream!

You can even make the shells ahead of time and freeze them! You can make the cream a day ahead, too. Then just stuff them before serving. I have even stuffed them the night before and they were perfect the next day. I would just hold off on the powdered sugar or it can get funky in the refrigerator

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Delicious Flavor: These cream puffs are made with a delicate pastry that’s light and airy, paired with a creamy and rich filling. The combination of vanilla-infused dough and the luscious pudding and cream filling creates a delectable treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Homemade Taste: The recipe includes simple, familiar ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, and vanilla, giving the cream puffs a homemade taste that’s reminiscent of cherished family recipes. The use of vanilla pudding for the filling adds an extra layer of nostalgia and comfort.

Versatility: Cream puffs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether served as a dessert for special occasions, a sweet treat with afternoon tea, or a delightful snack for any time of day, these cream puffs cater to different preferences and occasions.

Ease of Preparation: Despite their elegant appearance, cream puffs are relatively easy to make, especially with this straightforward recipe. With clear instructions and simple techniques, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results, making them accessible to a wide range of home cooks.

Customizable: The recipe allows for customization, giving individuals the freedom to personalize their cream puffs according to their tastes and preferences. Whether dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate, or topped with fresh fruit, each cream puff can be uniquely tailored to suit individual cravings.

Warmth and Comfort: Cream puffs evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making them a beloved treat for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and the creamy texture of the filling provide a sense of coziness and satisfaction that’s hard to resist.

Sharing and Celebration: Cream puffs are often associated with celebrations and gatherings, making them a delightful addition to parties, family gatherings, and other festive occasions. Sharing these homemade treats with loved ones creates cherished memories and brings joy to both the baker and the recipients.

Sensory Experience: From the moment they’re taken out of the oven to the first bite, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs offer a delightful sensory experience. The sight of golden-brown pastries, the aroma of vanilla-infused dough, and the taste of creamy filling combine to create a truly memorable culinary experience.

Key Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and volume to the cream puff pastry.

Water: Essential for creating the dough and achieving the right consistency.

Vanilla: Adds flavor to the dough, enhancing the overall taste of the cream puffs.

Eggs: Contribute to the structure and texture of the dough, helping it rise and giving it a light, airy texture.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, contributing to its tender and flaky texture.

Instant Vanilla Pudding: Forms the base of the creamy filling, providing sweetness and flavor.

Milk: Used to mix with the instant vanilla pudding to create a creamy filling.

Heavy Cream: Whipped together with the pudding and milk to create a thick, luscious filling for the cream puffs.

This Is What I used:

– 1c flour

– 1 cup of water

– 1 tsp vanilla

– 4 eggs

– 1 stick butter

FILLING:

– 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding

– ⅓ cup milk

– 1 pint heavy cream

Instructions:

– Bring the water, butter, and vanilla to a boil. Add flour.

– Stir constantly until it leaves the side of the pot and forms a ball. Remove and cool.

– Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time until smooth.

– Drop by T. onto parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake at 400 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. LET COOL.

– Slice in half and pipe or scoop in Mom’s filling. Dust with powdered sugar or pour on melted chocolate.

Filling:

– Beat the cream, pudding powder, and milk in a mixer until thick like whipped cream!

Enjoy.

Notes:

Preparation of Dough: The dough for the cream puffs starts by bringing water, butter, and vanilla to a boil, then adding flour. Constant stirring is crucial until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pot. This step ensures proper hydration of the flour and activates its gluten.

Incorporating Eggs: After cooling the dough slightly, eggs are added one at a time and beaten until smooth. Adding the eggs gradually helps maintain the dough’s consistency and structure.

Baking Process: The dough is dropped onto parchment-lined baking sheets and baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. This high temperature helps the cream puffs puff up and develop a golden-brown crust.

Cooling: Once baked, the cream puffs are allowed to cool completely before filling. This ensures that they retain their shape and texture.

Filling: The cream puff filling is made by beating heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding powder, and milk in a mixer until thick like whipped cream. This creamy and luxurious filling adds a delightful contrast to the light and airy pastry.

Assembly: The cooled cream puffs are sliced in half, and the filling is piped or scooped into them. This step allows for generous filling of each puff, ensuring a satisfying taste in every bite.

Finishing Touches: The cream puffs can be dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate for added sweetness and decoration.

Enjoyment: Once assembled, these cream puffs are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or sweet treat, perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cream puff

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cream puff shells ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the shells ahead of time and freeze them.

Just ensure they are properly cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.

Thaw them at room temperature before filling.

Can I prepare the cream filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the cream filling a day ahead.

Simply store it in the refrigerator in a covered container until you’re ready to fill the cream puffs.

Give it a good whisk before using.

Can I fill the cream puffs the night before serving?

Yes, you can fill the cream puffs the night before and they will still taste delicious the next day.

Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Hold off on dusting them with powdered sugar until just before serving to maintain their appearance.

Can I use a different type of pudding for the filling instead of vanilla?

While the recipe calls for instant vanilla pudding, you can certainly experiment with different flavors of pudding to create variations in the filling.

Chocolate, butterscotch, or even fruit-flavored puddings can add a unique twist to the cream puffs.

Can I substitute ingredients like butter or milk for a lighter version?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can try using reduced-fat or alternative ingredients like margarine instead of butter and low-fat milk instead of whole milk.

However, keep in mind that it may affect the taste and texture of the cream puffs slightly.

Can I substitute margarine for butter in the cream puff dough?

While butter is traditionally used in cream puff dough, you can try substituting it with margarine.

Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different, but it should still work.

Can I pipe the filling into the cream puffs instead of scooping it?

Yes, you can use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill the cream puffs with the filling.

This method can create a neater and more uniform presentation.

Can I drizzle melted chocolate over the cream puffs instead of dusting them with powdered sugar?

Absolutely! Drizzling melted chocolate over the cream puffs can add a delicious chocolatey touch.

Use a spoon or a piping bag to create decorative chocolate patterns.

Can I refrigerate the filled cream puffs before serving?

Yes, you can refrigerate the filled cream puffs before serving, especially if you’ve made them in advance.

Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

Dust them with powdered sugar right before serving to maintain their appearance.