Crescent City Cream "Puffs"
Delicious cream-filled puff pastries topped with chocolate or butterscotch, layered with bananas, marshmallows, and whipped cream for a decadent treat perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, margarine, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour to the boiling mixture.
- Stir vigorously over low heat until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
- Spoon the dough into 10 mounds on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Remove immediately and let cool.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding mix as directed, using 1 1/2 cups of milk.
- Chill the pudding until cold.
- Fold whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and sliced bananas into the pudding.
- Cut the tops off the baked puffs and fill them with the prepared mixture.
- Replace the tops and drizzle with chocolate or butterscotch topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the dough. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To add flavor to the filling, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of rum extract. Remember that the 3 Stages Of Beating Are Very Important for achieving the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These cream puffs are delightful served as a dessert at a gathering or party. For an added touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve alongside fresh berries. They pair beautifully with Mike'S Gooey Butter Cake for a sweet buffet spread. Consider offering a variety of toppings, like caramel sauce or crushed nuts, to cater to different tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, it's best to store the filling separately and assemble them just before serving. If you need to reheat the puffs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crescent City Cream "Puffs" contains roughly 743 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1150mg per serving (50% 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 puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the puffs a day in advance. Bake and cool them, then store in an airtight container. Prepare the filling on the day of serving to maintain freshness. Just fill them shortly before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use whipped topping or a dairy-free whipped cream. For a vegan option, coconut cream can be whipped and used in place of heavy cream, giving a delightful flavor that complements the bananas.
How can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
For gluten-free options, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based margarine and a non-dairy cream alternative. Additionally, ensure the vanilla pudding mix is dairy-free as well, as some brands contain milk.
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).