Easy Cream Puff Dessert

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Delightful cream puff dessert with fluffy pastry, creamy filling, and a smooth vanilla pudding topping, perfect for parties and family gatherings alike.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. margarine
  • 1 c. flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 2 small boxes vanilla instant pudding
  • 3 c. milk
  • 1 large Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Bring water and margarine to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in flour and continue stirring until it forms a ball.
  3. Remove from heat and beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
  4. Spread the dough on a small greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes until golden.
  6. Allow the pastry to cool away from drafts.
  7. Place a dish towel on top of the cooled pastry and pat down lightly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to beat the eggs in thoroughly before adding the next one. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter works as a perfect substitute. For the cream cheese layer, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you want to add flavor, consider mixing in vanilla extract or almond extract into the cream cheese filling, similar to what you might find in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cream puff dessert chilled for the best texture. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. For a delightful treat, consider serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream or with a slice of Sinful Sundae Pie to elevate your dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to reheat the pastry, do so in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the puffs soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Cream Puff Dessert contains roughly 1003 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

1003 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.6g 15% DV
Total Fat 83.5g 100% DV
Carbs 58.3g 21% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 20.7g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 896.5mg 39% DV
Potassium 278.2mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 65.3mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 116mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 2.2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 146.1mg 11% DV
Iron 2.6mg 15% 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 this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream puff pastry a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container after it cools completely. Prepare the cream cheese and pudding filling on the same day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What can I do if my cream puffs deflate?

If your cream puffs deflate, it might be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too soon. Ensure they are fully baked until golden and allow them to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent collapsing.

Can I freeze the cream puff dessert?

While the baked pastry can be frozen, the filling does not freeze well. To freeze, place the cooled puffs in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge and fill with the cream cheese mixture just before serving.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →