Homemade Cream Puffs – Light, Airy, and Filled with Sweet Vanilla Cream

Homemade Cream Puffs – Light, Airy, and Filled with Sweet Vanilla Cream

Cream puffs are one of those classic pastries that never go out of style. With their golden, hollow shells and luscious cream filling, they’re a beautiful treat for holidays, celebrations, or a weekend baking project. Don’t let their elegance fool you—these homemade cream puffs are surprisingly simple to make. Once you’ve mastered the choux pastry (pâte à choux), you’ll want to fill them with everything from sweet vanilla cream to chocolate mousse. At deesviral, we believe homemade tastes better—and these cream puffs are proof.

Ingredients:

For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

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• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

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• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Make the Choux Pastry:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the butter is melted.

Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking and stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball (about 2 minutes).

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and pipeable.

2. Pipe and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a spoon). Pipe small mounds (about 1 ½ inches wide), spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking or the puffs may collapse.

Remove from oven and pierce each puff with a toothpick to release steam. Cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Make the Cream Filling:
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to use.

4. Fill the Puffs:
Once the puffs are cool, cut them in half or poke a hole in the bottom. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream into the center of each puff.

5. Dust and Serve:
Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Finishing Touch:

These homemade cream puffs are elegant, irresistible, and perfect for any occasion—from dinner parties to afternoon tea. Light, airy, and filled with creamy sweetness, they’re a joy to make and even more delightful to eat.