Mom’s famous cream puffs are a classic and delightful dessert that consists of light and airy choux pastry filled with a sweet and creamy custard or whipped cream. Here’s a recipe for making these delicious treats:
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- OR
- 2 cups prepared vanilla custard (if you prefer custard filling)
For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and salt. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy after each egg is incorporated.
3. Pipe the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off.
- Pipe 2-inch (5 cm) mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each puff.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and hollow inside.
5. Cool:
- Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract (or prepared custard) and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
7. Fill the Cream Puffs:
- Once the cream puffs are cool, cut them in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
- Fill the bottom halves with the cream filling or custard, and then place the top halves back on.
8. Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- If desired, you can make a chocolate ganache by heating the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Stir until smooth. Drizzle or dip the cream puffs in the chocolate ganache.
9. Serve:
- Serve your mom’s famous cream puffs immediately, or refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy.
These cream puffs are a delightful treat, and your family and friends will love them. They’re perfect for special occasions or any time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic dessert.
