Description
These Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a dessert classic that never fails to impress! With ultra-light pastry shells and a rich, decadent filling, they’re a family-favorite treat perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to indulge in something special. The secret? A velvety filling made with a pudding base and whipped heavy cream for the ultimate creamy texture.
Who Is This Recipe For?
- Bakers: Perfect for those wanting to try their hand at homemade pastry.
- Entertainers: A crowd-pleasing dessert for parties and gatherings.
- Family-Focused: Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Advance Planners: The shells and filling can be prepped ahead of time for convenience.
Why It’s Special
- Light and Airy Pastry: Delicately crisp shells that complement the creamy filling.
- Velvety Filling: A step above traditional cream puffs with a rich, pudding-infused whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Save time by prepping in advance and assembling before serving.
- Customizable: Add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Shells
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For Mom’s Famous Filling
- 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ⅓ cup milk
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Shells
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring butter, water, and vanilla extract to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Famous Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk.
- Beat on medium-high speed until thick and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.
Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs
- Once the shells are cool, slice them in half horizontally.
- Pipe or spoon the filling generously into the bottom half of each shell.
- Replace the top halves and dust with powdered sugar.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl and hand/stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry bag (optional, for piping filling)
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: Freeze unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling.
- Filling Storage: The filling can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of almond or orange extract to the filling for a twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over the assembled cream puffs for an elegant touch.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store assembled cream puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the pastry shells before filling for longer storage.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Yes! Chocolate, lemon, or butterscotch pudding mix works beautifully for variety.
2. How can I ensure the pastry shells don’t collapse?
Avoid opening the oven door during baking, and allow the shells to cool completely to maintain their shape.
3. What if I don’t have a pastry bag?
You can use a spoon to fill the shells or use a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.
4. Can I make mini cream puffs?
Absolutely! Use smaller mounds of dough and adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that showcases the perfect balance of light pastry and luscious filling. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a special dessert, they’re sure to impress with every bite. Make these today and experience the magic of this cherished family recipe!
