Bite size Choux Pastry filled with whipped mascarpone cheese and slices of fresh strawberries! These cream puffs are light, airy, and it is very easy to make. If you haven’t made cream puffs before, time to change that! 5 ingredients are all you need.
What are Cream Puffs (Choux Pastry)
Choux pastry, or pâte à choux is a famous pastry from France that is prepared from a butter and flour dough. It doesn’t need any baking powder or baking soda or yeast.
On baking the dough puffs beautifully creating a pocket inside for filling.
This Cream Puff recipe is full proof, and you will find airy pockets in every single one of these puffs.
5 ingredients
5 ingredients are all it needs to prepare these easy choux pastry:
- Butter
- Milk
- Water
- Flour
- Sugar
All you need to do is mix to make a dough and then pipe to a baking sheet.
But there is this one step you must be careful about when making the Choux Pastry!
How to prepare the Choux Pastry?
In a pan melt the butter with water, milk and sugar. Then add the flour and keep mixing until it comes together into a dough.
Let it cool down a little (this is the KEY PART) then add one egg at a time and whisk to make the shiny dough, that is not too runny or too thick.
Once that is done, you pipe and bake.
Consistency of the dough is critical
For the perfectly risen and puffed cream puffs, the consistency of the dough is critical. If the dough is too runny, then the choux buns will not puff, and you will get a pretty much flat buns.
If the dough is too thick, then it will be dense inside, and you will not get any pockets to fill the choux buns.
This recipe for cream puffs is perfect, and I have been baking these cream puffs for several years now.
How to store ?
You can store the unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container for 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze these for 3 months.
Freshly baked choux buns come out crispy on the outside but as it sits at room temperature, it will turn a little soft BUT not mushy. Keep that in mind.
For re-heating, just cake at 300F preheated oven for 10 minutes.
More Desserts To Try
Filling the cream puffs:
You can think of multiple ways to fill this little delight!
My favorite is mascarpone cheese with strawberries. But you can use variety different kind of creamy filling.
Fill it with ice cream and pour some chocolate drizzle on top!
You can also try savory filling with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
Cream Puffs
Bite size Choux Pastry filled with whipped mascarpone cheese and slices of fresh strawberries! These cream puffs are light, airy, and it is very easy to make. If you haven’t made cream puffs before, time to change that! 5 ingredients are all you need.
Ingredients
For the puffs
- 8 tbs unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the filling
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- In a deep heavy bottom pan at medium heat, melt the butter with milk and water.
- After the butter is melted, add sugar, salt.
- Next add all the flour at once and using a wooden spoon, keep beating until the mixture forms a dough. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Stop the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Allow the mixture to cool down a little before whisking eggs to it.
- You could either use a hand whisk or an electric whisk to mix the eggs to the dough. Add one egg at a time and keep whisking. Once all the eggs are added, keep whisking until the mixture turns into a smooth shinny thick batter consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Pipe the batter into a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat.
- Wet the tip of your finger and tap the top of the dough slightly just to make sure it's smooth on top.
- Bake it at 400 F for 15mins.
- Reduce the heat to 350 F and bake for another 25 minutes or until they are all puffed up and get golden brown. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR IN BETWEEN.
- Once done, let the choux buns cool off completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip together mascarpone cheese with heavy cream and sugar till it's firm. Slice the strawberries or chop and mix with the filling.
- For final plating: Cut the puffs in half, spread the strawberries and cheese mix on the bottom half, place the top half of the puff shells and dust some icing sugar on top.
Notes
Consistency of the dough is critical
For the perfectly risen and puffed cream puffs, the consistency of the dough is critical. If the dough is too runny, then the choux buns will not puff, and you will get a pretty much flat buns.
If the dough is too thick, then it will be dense inside, and you will not get any pockets to fill the choux buns.
This recipe for cream puffs is perfect, and I have been baking these cream puffs for several years now.
71 Comments
Grishma
October 2, 2011 at 10:13 AMOMG..these looks divine Kankana 🙂 Amazing work 🙂
Tyler Ngo
October 2, 2011 at 11:29 AMI especially love the photos for this post. They look delicious!
Priya
October 2, 2011 at 12:05 PMYummy! I love cream puffs, great pictures
[email protected] in disguise
October 2, 2011 at 12:32 PMi
[email protected] in disguise
October 2, 2011 at 12:33 PMI know the feeling! I went through almost the same thing last month with croissant 🙂
as always your photography is breath taking Kankana and the recipes are just as amazing
Divya
October 2, 2011 at 12:51 PMLovely guest post, Kankana! Your photos just get better and better. I’m already drooling :).
torviewtoronto and createwithmom
October 2, 2011 at 3:28 PMyummy looking colourful dessert Kankana
wizzythestick
October 2, 2011 at 4:38 PMI am used to savoury fillings in puffs but this looks amazing!
[email protected]
October 2, 2011 at 4:44 PMI have yet to make any cream puffs, but it looks like you have mastered these. The flavors you chose were spot on. I like the simple blend of marscapone and strawberries, no chocolate, no nuts..
Your pictures are stunning–great post.
Jessica
October 2, 2011 at 5:51 PMI would smile cheek to cheek for this one! Such a delightful treat! I love puffs! These are such beautiful and stunning photos, like always!
Sandra
October 2, 2011 at 7:06 PMThese are so pretty and what an awesome job for your first time. Excellent presentation.
Ann
October 2, 2011 at 8:55 PMKankana – these are absolutely stunning! I bet they tasted delicious! If I made something that beautiful, I’d be grinning from ear to ear, too!
Anamika
October 2, 2011 at 10:25 PMThis looks so so yum..I can imagine ur little jig in the kitchen 🙂 Strawberry is one berry which pairs so well with almost anything..and with puffs..so good!!
Kim Bee
October 2, 2011 at 11:01 PMDivine dessert and stunning photographs. I adore cream puffs. Your addition of strawberry and mascarpone is a winning combo in my book.
[email protected]
October 3, 2011 at 12:17 AMawesome pictures Kankana! And LOL reading ‘doing the happy dance for a very long time’! You sound so much like me here. I do this when any of my baking experiments succeed which happens rarely for me:-)
Raji
October 3, 2011 at 12:23 AMThese puffs look amazing kankana..brilliant clicks.
Charles
October 3, 2011 at 12:39 AMIsn’t it great when stuff you make turns out really successfully? I never made anything like this before. Living in France you’d have thought I’d have tried to make choux pastry or similar at least once… perhaps I’ll make a point of doing it after seeing how delicious and easy you make it look!
Kala
October 3, 2011 at 1:06 AMYour photos are always SO good Kankana – from preparation to final product.
vandana rajesh
October 3, 2011 at 1:25 AMDelicious cream puffs and beautiful clicks.
Notyet100
October 3, 2011 at 1:31 AMWish I could have one ,..:)
nisha
October 3, 2011 at 2:19 AMlooks absolutely delicious..i love cream puffs..but im one of those lazy types who just go to the store n pick it up 😉
love the pics as well…
Alyssa
October 3, 2011 at 2:31 AMWell, that was a “sweet” post! Those puffs look light and perfect. Another wonderful post!
bhavani/ameanderingmango
October 3, 2011 at 3:03 AMSweet, creamy and cheesy – what more could you ask for in a dessert. I love mascarpone and this is such a simple and delicious way to use it. Thanks!
aarthi
October 3, 2011 at 5:22 AMMy mouth is watering…Yummy
Joanne
October 3, 2011 at 5:35 AMThese cream puffs look like they come straight from a bakery! Amazing!
Kitchen Belleicious
October 3, 2011 at 6:13 AMDo you realize how much my son would love these. He would go insane ( as well as myself) They look amazing- so light yet decadent. Love the filling!
sally
October 3, 2011 at 6:40 AMI’ve never made cream puffs before, but am certainly tempted to now. These look fantastic!
gloria
October 3, 2011 at 7:06 AMLove this, look delicious and awesome Kankana, xxx gloria
Kalyani
October 3, 2011 at 10:40 AMwow they look delicious and wonderful clicks kankana …..
Suzi
October 3, 2011 at 10:52 AMThese look delicious, your photos are just fabulous too. Yummy!!
Sobha Shyam
October 3, 2011 at 12:55 PMwow, they look gorgeous dear.. will check out the recipe..ur clicks have made me hungry like anything..
Liz
October 3, 2011 at 4:30 PMPerfect cream puffs…and love the beautiful filling! YUM!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
October 3, 2011 at 6:28 PMI love cream puffs and these looks so delicious Kankana. Love the photos 🙂
La @ FoodSlice
October 3, 2011 at 8:20 PMYour eye for detail is amazing. Its when i look at photos like this that i realize i have a looooong way to go 🙂 Cream puffs look absolutely delicious!
peachkins
October 3, 2011 at 8:28 PMthis looks like my kind of cream puff!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
October 3, 2011 at 8:43 PMCream puff is my husband’s favorite and he’ll be excited if I can make it at home. I can totally understand your happy dance – I hope to make this one day on my own too! Heading over to Ananda’s site.
Treat and Trick
October 3, 2011 at 11:28 PMBeautifully presented and looks fabulous!
Vandya
October 4, 2011 at 12:19 AMAmazing clicks and lovely looking cream puffs.
Shabs
October 4, 2011 at 12:20 AMTnese look just gorgeous Kankana and congratz on top 9 . I love cream puffs and yours look really perfect .
Jennifer (Delicieux)
October 4, 2011 at 12:50 AMThose cream puffs look SO good!! And I love the photos, especially the one with the teaspoon of cream and the strawberry….just stunning!
Elies_Lie
October 4, 2011 at 1:16 AMLovely puffs with even amazing filling!
Tq for sharing the recipe Kankana!
congratz for the top 9 on foodbuzz!
Great pic 😉
Baker Street
October 4, 2011 at 2:30 AMThat filling sounds super delish! Love the picture which has the filling with the strawberry.
a spoonful of yumm
October 4, 2011 at 3:33 AMhey these look so sinful & tempting 😀 love the pics 😀
Manu
October 4, 2011 at 3:40 AMOhhh these look so beautiful! Congrats!!! And congrats on making Top 9! 🙂 I am sure they also tasted great! Awesome pics as always!
Sanjeeta kk
October 4, 2011 at 4:18 AMOooh..yum..yum..the cream puffs look so delicate and gorgeous!
Jay
October 4, 2011 at 4:48 AMwow…irresistable n hearty cliks..
love ur presentation dear..:)
Tasty Appetite
Suzi
October 4, 2011 at 5:26 AMCongrats on the Top 9. Looks delicious!!
Sadhana
October 4, 2011 at 6:35 AMKankana, these puffs look amazing and your photographs are really awesome.
[email protected] My Sweet Tooth
October 4, 2011 at 8:13 AMI love cream puffs and these look so light, fluffy and delicious!
Tina´s PicStory
October 4, 2011 at 10:12 AMwow that looks so yummy! thanks for stopping by that i could see your lovely blog 🙂
[email protected]
October 4, 2011 at 10:55 AMThe puff looks sensational. I like that black and white click.
Rosa
October 4, 2011 at 11:14 AMGorgeous cream puffs and lovely pictures! Now, I’m craving those pastries…
Cheers,
Rosa
Juliana
October 4, 2011 at 11:32 AMWow, these cream puffs look so elegant, love the filling and the strawberries…lovely touch to the classic.
Hope you are having a great week Kankana and thanks for introducing your guest 🙂
Sissi
October 4, 2011 at 11:59 AMYour puffs look so light and luscious and make me almost forget it’s no longer Summertime…
athena
October 4, 2011 at 12:21 PMWow, Kankana, your photos, styling, and processing for this post are amazing… makes me want to reach into my screen and grab a cream puff! Heading over to Ananda’s blog for the recipe…
Ananda Rajashekar
October 4, 2011 at 12:25 PMThank you so much darling for doing this post for me and for your words. I adore them, my heart which has stopped for while will resume beating only after I bake and eat ur cream puffs ::D
Tina (PinayInTexas)
October 4, 2011 at 1:54 PMThose are beautiful cream puffs, Kankana…and the filling sounds extra delicious!
Ameena
October 4, 2011 at 2:14 PMI am so impressed Kankana! You make all your amazing recipes seem so effortless but I know how much love and time you put into them. Delicious!
Christine
October 4, 2011 at 2:53 PMCongrats on Foodbuzz top 9!
sarah
October 4, 2011 at 4:51 PMGorgeous! And totally worth that happy dance!
aipi
October 4, 2011 at 5:01 PMWOW ~ Kankana those pastries are just mind blowing! Two thumbs UP!!
USMasala
Soma
October 4, 2011 at 5:18 PMi am speechless!! These are so sublime and beautiful. and I would do dance all day along even if i could get the photographs look as pretty as yours, forget the puffs:) very very pretty. more than words can say.
Manju
October 4, 2011 at 5:46 PMI think I have died and gone to heaven, a heaven of cream puffs! These look soo soo gorgeous!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
October 4, 2011 at 6:34 PMThe puffs came out just beautifully, so light and airy.
rebecca
October 4, 2011 at 6:44 PMwow kankana they look amazing perfect in fact and love Ananda’s blog she is a talent for sure hugs thanks for your kind comment s hope to meet u one day
Reem | Simply Reem
October 4, 2011 at 9:29 PMKankana I am too your friend now send me some of these… You cannot eat them all without me 😉
Beautiful my dear, they a really worthy of a very long happy dance…
Delicious!!!!
tigerfish
October 4, 2011 at 9:47 PMAnother creation that looks too pretty to be eaten. I would not bear eating them!
Mary
October 5, 2011 at 5:48 AMThese look simply amazing! I’ve never even tried making them. I’m in awe.
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com
October 5, 2011 at 7:12 AMSo beautiful and delicious! Congrats on the Foodbuzz Top 9, most well deserved!
nipponnin
October 8, 2011 at 10:44 AMThis looks fantastic! This could be our family’s favorite sweet. Congratulations on top 9.
Kim - Liv Life
October 10, 2011 at 9:47 PMYour puffs look just perfect, and your photos are positively stunning! I’m not much of a sweet person either, however I’d never turn one of these beauties down. Nicely done!