Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about cream puffs—crisp on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and perfect balance of flavors. The filling, a sweet and fluffy mix of whipped cream and vanilla pudding, complements the light pastry beautifully. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cream puffs will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (8 Tablespoons)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup flour
Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup milk
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a saucepan, bring the butter, water, and vanilla to a boil.
- Add the flour and stir constantly until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pot.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the puffs cool completely.
- Slice each puff in half and pipe or scoop the Mom’s famous filling into the center.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 16 cream puffs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes.
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes.
- Total Time: About 45 minutes.
Variations
- Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the puffs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fruit Filling: Instead of the traditional vanilla filling, try adding a fruit-flavored pudding or fresh berries to give the puffs a refreshing twist.
- Mini Cream Puffs: To make bite-sized treats, use a smaller scoop of dough and bake them for a few minutes less.
Storage/Reheating
Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the filled puffs for up to 3 days. Reheat the unfilled puffs in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed.
Can I freeze cream puffs?
You can freeze the baked, unfilled puffs for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and fill with the cream before serving.
How can I make the cream puff shells more crunchy?
To achieve a crunchier texture, you can brush the puffs with a bit of egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before baking.
Can I use a different filling for cream puffs?
Yes! You can experiment with different fillings such as custard, whipped cream with fruit, or even chocolate mousse.
How do I know when the cream puffs are done baking?
The cream puffs are ready when they are golden brown and have puffed up. You can also lightly tap them and they should sound hollow inside.
What should I do if my cream puffs don't puff up?
If your cream puffs don’t puff up, make sure the oven is preheated properly, and don’t open the oven door while baking. Also, check that you’ve followed the recipe’s steps precisely.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to fill the puffs just before serving.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
Absolutely! You can swap the vanilla pudding for other flavors such as chocolate, butterscotch, or even cheesecake for a fun twist.
Why are my cream puffs soggy?
Soggy cream puffs could be due to underbaking or overfilling them with the cream. Be sure to bake the shells until they’re crispy, and avoid overfilling them.
Can I make smaller or larger cream puffs?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the cream puffs, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller puffs will bake faster, and larger ones may need extra time.
Conclusion
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are an irresistible treat that combines a golden, crispy shell with a rich and creamy filling. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just for a sweet indulgence, these cream puffs are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the delightful puff of goodness that will have everyone asking for more!
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a light and airy dessert with a rich, sweet filling that combines whipped cream and vanilla pudding. These cream puffs are simple to make, with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Perfect for any celebration or family gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 cream puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the cream puff dough:
- 1 stick butter (8 Tablespoons)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup flour
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the butter, water, and vanilla to a boil.
- Add the flour and stir constantly until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pot.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the puffs cool completely.
- Slice each puff in half and pipe or scoop the filling into the center.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- To make them even more indulgent, drizzle with melted chocolate or use a fruit-flavored filling for a fresh twist.
- For a crispier shell, brush the puffs with an egg wash before baking.
- Adjust the size of the puffs and baking time accordingly. Mini puffs bake faster, while larger ones may require extra time.
