Cream puffs, or “choux à la crème,” are a delightful French pastry that boasts a crispy, airy shell filled with luscious cream. At Madame Choux, we take pride in crafting these delicate pastries to perfection. However, with the right guidance, you can recreate this magic in your own kitchen. Here’s how to make the perfect cream puff at home.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the cream filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted completely, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
2. Shape and Bake the Pastry:
- Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use a wet finger to smooth down any peaks on the mounds.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip.
4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Once the choux pastry shells are completely cool, use a small knife to make a hole in the bottom of each puff.
- Insert the tip of the pastry bag into the hole and fill each puff with the whipped cream.
- Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not open the oven door during the initial baking period to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
- For a flavored twist, you can infuse the whipped cream with coffee, chocolate, or fruit puree.
Enjoy your homemade cream puffs, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. For more delightful pastries, visit Madame Choux and explore our wide range of artisan French desserts.