Classic Cream Puffs (Choux à la Crème)
Description:
Light, airy pastry shells filled with smooth, rich cream—these classic cream puffs are elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
1 cup (240 ml) water
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cream filling:
2 cups (480 ml) milk
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil.
Add flour all at once and stir quickly until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
Pipe or spoon small rounds of dough onto a lined baking tray.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
Heat milk in a saucepan until warm (not boiling).
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
Slowly pour warm milk into the mixture while whisking.
Return to heat and cook until thickened.
Remove from heat, add vanilla and butter, and let cool.
Step 4: Assemble
Cut the cream puffs slightly or make a small hole.
Fill with the prepared cream using a piping bag.
Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Pro Tips
Do not open the oven during baking to avoid collapsing.
For extra flavor, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
Make sure the pastry is fully cool before filling.
Enjoy your homemade cream puffs—light, creamy, and absolutely irresistible!