Almond Cream Puff Ring
Delightful almond cream puff ring with a crisp exterior, rich filling, and glossy chocolate glaze, perfect for special occasions or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter or margarine, and salt until the butter melts and mixture boils.
- Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Vigorously stir in the flour all at once with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the side of the saucepan.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and satiny.
- Cool the mixture slightly.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease and flour a large cookie sheet.
- Using a 7-inch plate as a guide, trace a circle in flour on the cookie sheet.
- Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into 10 mounds inside the circle to form a ring.
- Bake the ring for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Turn off the oven and let the ring remain inside for 15 minutes.
- Remove the ring from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Once cool, slice the ring horizontally in half with a long serrated knife.
- Prepare the Almond-Cream Filling and spoon it into the bottom half of the ring.
- Replace the top of the ring.
- Refrigerate the assembled ring.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the top of the ring.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use cold butter to create a flakier pastry. If you find the batter too thick, you can add a little extra water, but do so sparingly. Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly into the mixture to achieve that smooth, satiny texture. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using vanilla instead of almond extract in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond Cream Puff Ring chilled for a refreshing dessert, beautifully complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. It makes an excellent centerpiece for gatherings and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, serve alongside Tipsy Sweet Potatoes for a unique flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the cream puff ring in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Cream Puff Ring contains roughly 256 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cream puff ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream puff ring a day in advance. Just make sure to fill it with the Almond-Cream Filling and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for almond extract in the filling?
If you prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract is a great substitute that still provides a lovely flavor. You might also try hazelnut extract for a different nutty taste that complements the cream nicely.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker chocolate glaze, you can add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe. If your glaze is too runny, simply add sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).