Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a classic and beloved dessert that never fails to impress. These light and airy pastry shells are filled with a creamy and delicious vanilla filling, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a special treat, or just because, Mom’s Cream Puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Shells:
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions:
Making the Pastry Shells:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Flour:
- Quickly add the flour all at once to the saucepan and stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry shells are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Making Mom’s Famous Filling:
- Prepare Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Combine:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined and smooth. Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
Assembling the Cream Puffs:
- Fill Pastry Shells:
- Once the pastry shells have cooled completely, use a knife to slice the tops off horizontally. Fill each shell with a generous amount of Mom’s Famous Filling.
- Replace Tops:
- Replace the tops of the pastry shells and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the cream puffs immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy these delightful treats!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs before serving.
- Fruit Topping: Top each cream puff with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing twist.
- Almond Flavoring: Add a touch of almond extract to the filling for a delicious almond-flavored cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cream puffs? A: While the pastry shells can be frozen, it’s best to fill them with the cream filling just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of heavy cream. Just be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form before folding it into the pudding mixture.
Q: How long will the cream puffs stay fresh? A: Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, they may lose some of their crispness over time.
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their light and airy pastry shells filled with creamy vanilla filling, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a special dessert, or just because, Mom’s Cream Puffs are sure to impress
