Cream Puffs with Mom’s Famous Filling Recipe
These Cream Puffs with Mom’s Famous Filling are a classic dessert that’s sure to impress. Light, airy pastry shells are filled with a rich and creamy vanilla filling, creating a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe makes approximately 16 cream puffs, so there’s plenty to share—or not!
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons): Provides richness and helps create the structure of the pastry.
- 1 cup water: Combines with the butter to create steam, which helps the pastry puff up.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a subtle flavor to the pastry.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the shells.
- 4 eggs: Essential for creating the structure and light texture of the shells.
- 1 cup flour: The main structure of the dough.
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream: Whipped to create a light and airy filling.
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding: Adds flavor and stability to the cream.
- ⅓ cup milk: Helps combine the pudding mix with the cream.
Instructions
Making the Shells:
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir constantly. The mixture will come together quickly, forming a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pot.
- Cool the Dough: Remove the dough from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This step is important to prevent the eggs from cooking when they’re added.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Form the Shells: Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake the shells in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the shells are golden brown and puffed up.
- Release the Steam: Immediately after removing the shells from the oven, make a small slit on the side of each shell using a sharp knife. This allows the steam to escape and prevents the shells from becoming soggy. Let the shells cool completely on a wire rack.
Making Mom’s Famous Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk. Beat the mixture on high speed until it thickens to the consistency of whipped cream. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Fill the Shells: Once the shells are completely cool, slice them in half horizontally. Pipe or scoop the filling into the bottom half of each shell, then replace the top half.
- Finish: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Tips for Success
- Keep an Eye on the Dough: When cooking the dough, make sure it forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pot. This indicates the dough is ready for the eggs.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the shells are completely cool before adding the filling, as any residual heat can cause the filling to melt and become runny.
- Use a Piping Bag: For a more polished presentation, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to fill the shells.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them with cream right before serving to ensure they stay crisp.
Q: Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of instant pudding to create a variety of fillings.
Q: How do I store leftover cream puffs?
A: Store any leftover filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the shells may soften slightly in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze cream puffs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked shells. Just thaw them at room temperature before filling. It’s best not to freeze filled cream puffs, as the filling can become watery upon thawing.
These Cream Puffs with Mom’s Famous Filling are a delightful dessert that combines a classic pastry with a creamy, rich filling. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, these cream puffs are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!