Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe
Introduction:
Cream puffs are a timeless dessert that has been a favorite of families for generations. Often associated with celebrations and special occasions, these delightful pastries are light, airy, and filled with a luscious cream filling. Our version, “Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs,” has been passed down through generations, offering a perfect combination of delicate pastry and sweet, velvety cream. Whether served as a sweet snack, party treat, or after-dinner indulgence, these cream puffs never fail to impress.
History:
Cream puffs originated in France and are a staple of French patisserie. The creation of the pastry itself is credited to the 16th-century French chef, Popelini, who invented the choux pastry used to make cream puffs. Choux pastry (also known as pâte à choux) is made from butter, water, flour, and eggs, and the resulting dough is light, airy, and perfect for holding cream fillings. Over the years, the cream puff has evolved into various forms, from filled eclairs to bite-sized puffs enjoyed worldwide. Today, cream puffs are a beloved dessert, with each family having its own variation, such as “Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs.”
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and the butter to a boil over medium heat.
• Once the butter has melted, add the flour, salt, and sugar all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes).
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• One at a time, add the eggs to the dough, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
• Spoon or pipe the dough into 12-16 mounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and have risen. Do not open the oven door during baking. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
• For a thicker filling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the cream before whipping. This will help stabilize the cream for a smoother texture.
• Once the puffs have cooled, use a small knife or pastry tip to create a hole in the bottom of each puff. Fill each puff with whipped cream.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):
• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
• Pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
• Stir until smooth, then drizzle over the filled cream puffs.
4. Assemble and Serve:
• Once the chocolate glaze has set, your cream puffs are ready to serve. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a day or two.
Methods:
• Choux Pastry Technique: The key to a successful cream puff is the proper preparation of the choux pastry. The dough needs to be cooked on the stovetop before baking to ensure that the water evaporates and the dough firms up. This process helps the puffs rise and create the perfect hollow center for filling.
• Cream Filling: Whipping the cream to soft peaks is essential for a light, fluffy filling. For added flavor, consider incorporating different extracts like almond or hazelnut.
• Serving Suggestions: Cream puffs can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a rich chocolate glaze. Some variations even use fruit fillings or custards.
Benefits:
• Light and Airy: The choux pastry used in these cream puffs is very light, making them a less dense dessert option.
• Customizable: The cream filling can be made with various flavorings, such as vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit-infused creams.
• Indulgent Treat: While they are indulgent, you can control how much filling you use to customize the cream-to-pastry ratio to your liking.
Nutrition:
While cream puffs are undeniably a sweet treat, they do provide some nutritional value:
• Choux Pastry: A good source of energy from carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein from the eggs.
• Cream Filling: Offers a rich source of fat and calories, which provides quick energy but should be enjoyed in moderation.
Per serving (one cream puff):
• Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 15-18g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fiber: 1g (if cornstarch is used for thickening)
Conclusion:
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs have earned their place as a family favorite through their light, airy texture and decadent cream filling. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a treat to share with loved ones, these little pastries are sure to bring smiles to everyone. They represent both tradition and the joy of homemade desserts, creating lasting memories with every bite. We hope you enjoy making these cream puffs as much as we do—and perhaps create your own family tradition for years to come.
Lovers of Cream Puffs:
This recipe is adored by pastry enthusiasts, home bakers, and anyone who has a sweet tooth. It’s perfect for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, or just as a delightful dessert to enjoy with loved ones. The joy of sharing these delectable bites makes them a favorite for all ages, and once you’ve tasted one, you’ll be hooked for life!