Chocolate Cream Puffs

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: French

Chocolate cream puffs are light, airy pastries filled with rich chocolate cream, perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Chocolate Cream Filling (recipe follows)

Instructions

  1. Heat water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
  3. Remove from heat. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Bake the choux pastry until puffed and golden.
  5. Fill with chocolate cream filling and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use cold eggs and ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If you don’t have butter, you can substitute with margarine, but the flavor will slightly change. Make sure your flour is sifted for a light texture. If you're looking for a different flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chocolate cream puffs dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving alongside Swiss Pancakes or Strawberry Delight(Lo-Cal) to create a dessert platter that impresses.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Cream Puffs contains roughly 787 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

787 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 63.8g 82% DV
Carbs 49.9g 18% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 653.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 324.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 334.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 140.2mg 11% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 pastry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry in advance. Once baked, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving to maintain their texture.

What can I use instead of chocolate cream filling?

If you want an alternative filling, consider pastry cream or whipped cream mixed with fruit puree for a lighter option. These make excellent fillings that complement the pastry well.

Why did my cream puffs not puff up?

If your cream puffs didn't rise, it could be due to insufficient moisture or not enough heat in the oven. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and that the batter is cooked long enough to create steam, which is essential for puffing.

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).

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