Cream Puff
Cream puffs feature a light, airy pastry shell filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with whipped cream, perfect for elegant desserts or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add the water and butter.
- Bring to a boil and gradually add the flour.
- Stir until smooth and paste-like on low heat.
- Remove from stove and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition.
- Spread the batter in a greased 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and press out air bubbles with a paper towel wrapped around your hand.
- Mix milk, instant vanilla pudding, and softened cream cheese until very thick.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled pastry crust.
- Top with Cool Whip and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure the water is boiling before adding the flour for the best consistency. If you prefer a richer filling, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. This cream puff pairs beautifully with Low-Fat Spinach Vegetable Dip for a delightful appetizer spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cream puffs chilled, garnished with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color. They can also be dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a light salad, such as Aggie Salad, to balance the richness of the dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, avoid stacking them. If you need to reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to crisp up the pastry without losing moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Puff contains roughly 2113 calories, with 31g protein, 269g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (90% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% 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 dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream puff dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bake it fresh before serving to enjoy the perfect texture. Freezing the baked puffs is also an option; just thaw and fill them before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the pudding?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar texture. If avoiding dairy, consider using silken tofu blended until smooth to create a creamy filling without compromising on flavor.
How do I know when the cream puffs are done baking?
The cream puffs are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. They should feel light when lifted. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause them to collapse. Let them cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for a few minutes for best results.
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).