Cherry Puff Magic
A delightful cherry cream puff dessert featuring a light, airy pastry filled with cherry pie filling and topped with whipped cream, perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter with boiling water over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sifted flour and salt until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until mixture is glossy.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto greased baking sheets to form large puffs.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions.
- Cut each puff in half horizontally and fill with cherry pie filling.
- Top with whipped heavy cream and a few drops of almond extract before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter, as this helps create a fluffier puff. You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred. If you want a sweeter filling, consider adding a bit of sugar to the cherry pie filling. This dish pairs beautifully with Patty'S Tea Room Salad for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Puffs are best served fresh, topped with whipped cream just before serving. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar for an extra touch. They make a lovely dessert after a hearty meal or can be served with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair nicely with Coconut Cream Jello Salad for an enhanced flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Puff Magic contains roughly 247 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg per serving (43% 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 batter ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the batter right before baking for optimal puffiness. However, you can prepare the cherry filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to fill the puffs shortly before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
If you prefer a different fruit, consider using blueberry pie filling or fresh strawberries mixed with a little sugar. You could also try a chocolate mousse for a decadent twist on this dessert.
How do I prevent the puffs from deflating?
Make sure to bake the puffs until they are golden brown, as underbaking can lead to deflation. Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as sudden temperature changes can also affect their structure.
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).