Sugar-Free Cream Puffs
Delightful sugar-free cream puffs with airy pastry shells filled with creamy pudding, perfect for a light dessert that suits those watching sugar intake or seeking a gluten-free treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the shortening and water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add flour and salt, and blend quickly until smooth.
- Beat the mixture until it leaves the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let stand to cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Prepare the sugar-free instant pudding as directed using 2 cups of 2% milk.
- Fill the cooled cream puffs with pudding.
- Top each with a teaspoon of lite Cool Whip before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the mixture is well-beaten after adding each egg. If you don’t have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. To enhance the cream puffs, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the pudding. For a fun twist, you can fill the puffs with flavored pudding such as chocolate or banana.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sugar-free cream puffs as a light dessert for any gathering or special occasion. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an elegant presentation, dust them with a little cocoa powder or serve alongside fresh berries. You can also explore other sweet treats like Sinful Cake or Best Peach Cobbler for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their texture, avoid stacking them. If they become soggy, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to crisp them up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar-Free Cream Puffs contains roughly 190 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% 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 freeze the cream puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cream puffs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and fill with pudding just before serving for best texture.
What can I use instead of sugar-free pudding?
If you can't find sugar-free pudding, you can make your own by mixing cornstarch, unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate), or pureed fruit with a sugar substitute. Just be sure to follow the proportions for thickening that you'd find in a traditional pudding recipe.
How do I know when the cream puffs are done baking?
The cream puffs are done when they have puffed up significantly and turned a rich golden brown color. They should be light and airy inside. Avoid opening the oven door prematurely, as this can cause them to collapse. A good test is to tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are ready.
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).