Aunt Kate'S Cream Puffs
Light and airy cream puffs with a crisp exterior and tender interior, perfect for sweet fillings or as elegant appetizers, suited for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
- Add flour all at once and beat well until mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfect cream puffs, ensure your butter is fully melted before adding flour, and beat vigorously to avoid lumps. If you prefer a sweeter pastry, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to the flour mixture. For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. Remember to keep the oven door closed while baking to prevent collapsing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cream puffs warm or at room temperature filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Andrews Chocolate Pie for a decadent dessert spread. Consider dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the puffs soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Kate'S Cream Puffs contains roughly 294 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 21g fat.
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
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
If your cream puffs didn't rise, it may be due to insufficient moisture in the batter or underbaking. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and allow them to bake until golden brown. The steam generated during baking is crucial for puffing up the pastry.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It's not recommended to make the batter in advance as it can lose its ability to rise. However, you can pipe the shapes onto the baking sheet and freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I fill cream puffs with?
Cream puffs can be filled with a variety of delicious fillings such as whipped cream, pastry cream, or even savory mixtures like cheese spread. For a different twist, try filling them with ice cream or custard for a delightful dessert treat.
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).