Philly Cream Cheese Cream Puff Ring
A delightful cream puff ring filled with sweet cream cheese, bananas, and whipped cream, topped with chocolate and chocolate milk—perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water and margarine to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add flour and salt 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 well after each addition.
- Drop 10 half-cupfuls of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet to form a 9-inch ring.
- Bake at 400°F for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from cookie sheet immediately and cool.
- Combine cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla, mixing until well blended.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold whipped cream and sliced bananas into the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- Chill the filled cream mixture.
- Carefully cut the top from the ring and fill with the whipped cream mixture.
- Replace the top of the ring.
- Add remaining sugar, melted chocolate, and milk to the reserved cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the ring as a topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a high-quality cream cheese like Philadelphia for a smoother filling. If you're out of whipping cream, you can substitute with cool whip or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough. If you're looking for a unique flavor twist, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This cream puff ring is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with My Famous Potato Salad for a fun picnic spread. Serve it as a festive centerpiece at parties or gatherings. Consider adding fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream puff ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture, avoid stacking the cream puff layers. If reheating is necessary, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry fresh and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Philly Cream Cheese Cream Puff Ring contains roughly 796 calories, with 14g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1087mg per serving (47% 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 in advance. Once formed into the ring shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed for fresh cream puffs.
What can I use instead of bananas?
If you're not a fan of bananas, you can substitute them with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a berry-flavored filling. Alternatively, you could use diced peaches or even a fruit puree to add a different fruity twist to your cream puff ring.
How do I prevent the cream puffs from collapsing?
To prevent collapsing, ensure that you bake the cream puffs until they are completely set and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking as this can cause them to deflate. Let them cool completely before filling to maintain their structure.
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).