There’s nothing quite like biting into a delicate cream puff—crisp on the outside, airy and light inside, and filled with sweet, velvety whipped cream. These Famous Cream Puffs are perfect for any occasion, from elegant tea parties to casual family gatherings. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, answer common questions, and share tips to ensure your cream puffs turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Light & Crispy – The perfect choux pastry texture.
✅ Easy to Make – Only a few simple ingredients needed.
✅ Versatile – Fill with custard, chocolate, or fruit for variations.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Always a hit at parties and celebrations!
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Chocolate ganache or caramel drizzle
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Choux Pastry
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Once butter melts, add flour and salt, stirring vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 2 minutes).
3. Incorporate Eggs
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pipe & Bake
- Transfer dough to a piping bag (or use a spoon).
- Pipe 12 small mounds (about 1.5 inches wide) onto the baking sheet.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Do NOT open the oven during baking—this can cause collapse!
5. Whip the Cream
- While puffs cool, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Assemble
- Once puffs are completely cooled, slice them in half horizontally.
- Fill with whipped cream using a spoon or piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if desired.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Best served immediately for maximum crispness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Bake the shells ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Fill with cream just before serving to prevent sogginess.
2. Why did my cream puffs collapse?
- Underbaking – Ensure they’re fully golden and crisp.
- Opening the oven too soon – Wait until fully baked!
- Too much moisture – Let dough cool slightly before adding eggs.
3. Can I freeze cream puffs?
✅ Unfilled shells can be frozen for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes before filling.
4. Can I use a different filling?
✅ Absolutely! Try:
- Pastry cream (custard)
- Chocolate mousse
- Lemon curd & berries
5. How do I prevent soggy cream puffs?
- Fill just before serving.
- Store unfilled shells in a dry, airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
✨ Room-temperature eggs blend better into the dough.
✨ Pipe evenly sized mounds for uniform baking.
✨ Poke a small hole in baked puffs to release steam if storing.
✨ For extra shine, brush with egg wash before baking.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 22g |
Final Thoughts
These Famous Cream Puffs are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, this recipe delivers perfectly airy, creamy results every time.
Have you tried making cream puffs before? Share your experience in the comments! 🍰💬
Happy baking! 🎉
