Cream Puff Paste
Cream puff paste is a versatile choux pastry dough used for making profiteroles, eclairs, and cream puffs, featuring a light, airy texture with rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put butter, milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- When boiling, add the flour and stir briskly until the paste is smooth.
- Remove from the fire, and mix in one egg at a time, working well after each addition.
- Drop spoonfuls or finger-shaped portions onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in an oven at 350°F until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cream puff, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture, as this helps incorporate air for a better rise. If you're out of butter, you can substitute it with margarine, but the flavor may vary slightly. For added flavor, consider incorporating vanilla extract or almond extract to the paste.
Serving Suggestions
These cream puffs are delightful on their own or filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or even ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with Brazilian Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat or can be served alongside Special Scrambled Eggs for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Puff Paste contains roughly 728 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1835mg per serving (80% 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 dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking to ensure the best rise and texture.
Why are my cream puffs not puffing up?
If your cream puffs are not puffing, it could be due to insufficient moisture in the dough or not baking them at a high enough temperature. Make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil before adding the flour and bake immediately in a preheated oven at 350°F.
Can I freeze the baked cream puffs?
Yes, baked cream puffs can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated from frozen; just pop them in a preheated oven until warmed through.
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).