Classic Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream Filling

Cream puffs are a beloved French pastry known for their light, airy shell and creamy filling. Made with a simple pâte à choux dough, these Classic Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream Filling are a delightful treat that looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or an indulgent dessert at home, these cream puffs combine the slight crispiness of baked pastry with the smoothness of vanilla whipped cream. An optional sweet glaze on top makes them even more irresistible. This recipe will guide you through making perfect cream puffs, complete with tips to ensure success every time.

Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Puffs:
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
For the Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the butter is fully melted.
Once boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball (this should take about 1-2 minutes).
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
After it has slightly cooled, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough will look lumpy at first but should become smooth and glossy as you incorporate each egg.
3. Shape the Puffs
Using a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Dip your finger in water and gently smooth down any pointed tops on the dough mounds to prevent burning.
4. Bake the Puffs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed.
Turn off the oven, slightly crack the door open, and let the puffs sit in the oven for another 10 minutes. This helps them dry out, preventing them from collapsing as they cool.
Remove the puffs from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Whipped Cream Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn into butter.
Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip for easy filling.
6. Fill the Cream Puffs
Once the puffs have cooled, cut them in half horizontally.
Pipe a generous amount of whipped cream onto the bottom half of each puff, then replace the top half to form a sandwich.
7. Optional Glaze Topping
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk, adding one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the tops of the filled cream puffs for a sweet, decorative touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Cream Puff):
The following values are approximate and based on a standard serving size:

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make the cream puffs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry puffs a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just before serving, fill them with the whipped cream for maximum freshness.
2. How do I keep my cream puffs from deflating?

To prevent deflation, ensure that the puffs are fully baked until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes, which helps them hold their shape.
3. Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?

Absolutely! You can fill the puffs with pastry cream, custard, or even ice cream for a frozen treat.
4. What if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spoon the whipped cream filling into the cream puffs. Another option is to use a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off.
5. Can I freeze cream puffs?

Yes, you can freeze unfilled cream puffs. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. To use, thaw at room temperature, then re-crisp them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Tips for Making the Best Cream Puffs:
Measure Ingredients Precisely: Accurate measurements are essential in baking, especially for choux pastry. Too much flour or liquid can alter the texture, affecting how the puffs rise.
Cool the Dough Before Adding Eggs: Letting the dough cool for a few minutes after removing it from heat prevents the eggs from cooking when added, ensuring a smooth, glossy dough.
Avoid Opening the Oven Too Early: Opening the oven before the puffs are done can cause them to collapse. Wait until the puffs are golden brown and fully set before checking.
Experiment with Fillings: While whipped cream is a classic choice, you can also try filling the puffs with chocolate mousse, flavored custard, or even savory fillings like cream cheese and herbs for a unique twist.
Keep the Whipped Cream Chilled: For the whipped cream to hold its shape, ensure the heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature:

Unfilled cream puffs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Before serving, you can warm them slightly in the oven to refresh their crispness.
Refrigeration:

Filled cream puffs should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. Be aware that the cream filling may cause the shells to soften over time.
Freezing:

To freeze unfilled cream puffs, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Filled cream puffs do not freeze well, as the whipped cream can lose its texture upon thawing.
Conclusion:
Cream puffs are a timeless dessert that offers a beautiful balance between light pastry and rich cream. This Classic Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream Filling recipe makes it easy to create an elegant and delicious treat that will impress family and friends alike. From understanding the basics of choux pastry to learning how to create a perfectly whipped cream filling, this recipe walks you through every step. With optional glaze for a bit of extra sweetness and tips to ensure foolproof results, you’ll have no trouble mastering these delightful pastries. Serve them at a special event, bring them to a party, or just enjoy them as a delightful indulgence at home. No matter the occasion, cream puffs are always a crowd-pleaser!