If you’re craving a dessert that’s light as air on the outside and decadently creamy on the inside, you’re in for a real treat with these Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling. Each bite delivers the delicate crunch of classic French choux pastry, giving way to a smooth, perfectly sweet vanilla custard that leaves you swooning for more. This recipe has become a personal favorite for special gatherings and indulgent afternoons alike, thanks to the magical contrast of textures and the rich, aromatic flavors. If you’re ready for a baking adventure that’s both elegant and approachable, these cream puffs are sure to become your go-to dessert for impressing friends and delighting your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something so grand. Each element plays a unique role, from building the tender puffs to whipping up that cloud-like vanilla cream. Ready to gather your essentials?
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Gives the choux pastry its signature richness and helps achieve that perfectly golden exterior.
- Water (1 cup): Acts as the liquid foundation for the pastry dough, ensuring the puffs rise correctly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to both the pastry and the filling.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The backbone of the choux, providing structure without heaviness.
- Large Eggs (4 for pastry, 4 yolks for filling): Eggs give the pastry puff and the custard its silky texture—don’t worry, nothing goes to waste here!
- Whole Milk (2 cups): Ensures your vanilla cream filling is rich and velvety.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): The secret to thickening your cream to the perfect spoonable consistency.
- Unsalted Butter for Filling (2 tablespoons): Adds shine and depth to the vanilla cream, making it extra decadent.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings fragrant, classic flavor to the creamy filling—pure comfort!
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For a snow-white dusting that adds a lovely finish.
- Melted Chocolate (optional): A drizzle of chocolate takes your puffs straight to Paris patisserie heaven.
How to Make Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. In a saucepan, melt the butter with water, salt, and sugar over medium heat until it just comes to a boil. Once bubbling, remove from heat and quickly stir in all the flour at once. Put the pan back on the stove, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball that easily pulls away from the pan—this step is key to achieving those gorgeously hollow puffs.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
Let the dough cool for about five minutes (so you don’t scramble the eggs!), then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully absorbed before adding the next. You’re aiming for a glossy, pipeable dough that will hold its shape but isn’t runny. This step also ensures your cream puffs bake up light and airy.
Step 3: Pipe and Bake the Puffs
Scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, then pipe 12 generous mounds onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for rising. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and deeply golden. Patiently resist the urge to peek—opening the oven early can make the puffs collapse, and we want every one to be perfectly airy!
Step 4: Make the Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
While the puffs cool, it’s time for the star of the show: the vanilla cream. Warm the milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming, not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Slowly whisk in the hot milk, then pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens beautifully—about 3–5 minutes. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla extract for that extra silkiness, then strain the cream into a bowl for maximum smoothness. Cover and chill completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Once everything’s nicely chilled, carefully slice each puff in half or use a piping bag to fill through the bottom or side with that dreamy vanilla cream. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing the puffs plump up with their creamy core! For the finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar or give them a chocolaty drizzle—either way, you’re about to wow everyone lucky enough to snag a puff.
How to Serve Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling
Garnishes
Opt for a classic dusting of powdered sugar for elegance, or go for a drizzle of melted chocolate if you want a bolder finish. Fresh berries or candied citrus zest add vibrant color and a subtle tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweet, creamy center of these Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling.
Side Dishes
A plate of these puffs makes a lovely dessert all on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a side of fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a small espresso for a sophisticated French-inspired touch. Their airy texture plays wonderfully with fresh fruit or a cup of strong coffee!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the cream puffs into a mini croquembouche tower, or arrange them on a cake stand lined with edible flowers for a chic centerpiece. For parties, fill them with a variety of creams (think coffee or chocolate!) alongside the classic vanilla, turning your Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling into a delightful tasting sampler.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any left, store assembled cream puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. They’ll remain delicious, though the pastry will soften slightly from the moisture of the filling. Unfilled puffs are best kept at room temperature in a sealed container for peak crispiness.
Freezing
It’s surprisingly easy to keep Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling on standby for future cravings. Freeze the baked, unfilled shells in a zip-top bag for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and crisp in a low oven, then fill and enjoy fresh. Filling doesn’t freeze as well, so make it just before assembling.
Reheating
To regain that irresistible crunch, pop unfilled pastry shells into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. Let them cool before adding the vanilla cream. Filled cream puffs are best enjoyed chilled, so if you’ve stored them, simply transfer to the fridge and enjoy straight from there.
FAQs
Why did my cream puffs collapse after baking?
This usually means the puffs were taken out of the oven before they were completely baked or the oven door was opened too soon. Always bake until the puffs are deep golden brown and avoid opening the oven mid-bake to ensure they hold their shape.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The vanilla cream can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill until ready to use. This actually makes assembling your Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling even easier.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries at all—simply use a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. For filling, you can also slice the puffs open and spoon in the cream. They’ll look rustic yet charming and taste every bit as wonderful.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Of course! While the classic vanilla is hard to beat, you can add espresso powder, melted chocolate, or even a little citrus zest for a fun twist. Try making a batch with half vanilla, half coffee for a trio of flavor surprises.
How can I prevent my choux pastry from being too runny or too stiff?
It’s all about carefully adding the eggs—go one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding more. You want a dough that’s glossy, smooth, and holds its piped shape without spreading too much.
Final Thoughts
Baking Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling is so much more than just making dessert—it’s about turning simple ingredients into pure magic, one dreamy bite at a time. I hope you’ll give these a try and let a bit of French patisserie charm brighten your day. Share them with loved ones (or savor them all yourself), and prepare for a chorus of delighted “oohs” every time you present a plate of these beauty-filled puffs!
Print
Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cream puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicate and airy perfection of Cream Puffs with a decadent Vanilla Cream Filling. These delightful pastries are a classic French treat that will elevate any occasion.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the vanilla cream filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting or melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the choux pastry: Combine butter, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Boil, remove from heat, add flour, return to heat, stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until glossy.
- Bake the pastry: Pipe mounds of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the filling: Heat milk, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and yolks. Combine, cook until thickened, then add butter and vanilla. Chill.
- Assemble the cream puffs: Slice puffs in half, fill with vanilla cream, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Cream puffs are best enjoyed freshly assembled, but can be prepared a day ahead. Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container and freeze if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
