Indulge in the delectable world of cream puffs, where delicate choux pastry shells embrace a luscious filling of pastry cream. These ethereal treats, often dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a glaze, are a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of pastry cream recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert. From the traditional vanilla pastry cream to innovative variations infused with chocolate, coffee, and even citrus, these recipes cater to every palate. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a wealth of inspiration to create the perfect cream puffs that will impress and delight.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREAM PUFFS
An easy and impressive way to make a great dessert. Whip them up and watch them disappear!
Provided by Shellie Wendel
Categories Desserts
Time 55m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Mix together vanilla instant pudding mix, cream and milk. Cover and refrigerate to set.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- In a large pot, bring water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Centers should be dry.
- When the shells are cool, either split and fill them with the pudding mixture, or use a pastry bag to pipe the pudding into the shells.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.7 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Cholesterol 76.9 mg, Fat 13.3 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 230.6 mg, Sugar 8 g
PASTRY CREAM
Classic pastry cream, or creme patissiere, is a vanilla custard thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch. You can fill fluffy doughnuts, eclairs or other baked goods with this sweet cream or simply enjoy it on its own. This recipe does take some finesse, but the final product is completely worth the effort.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 2h25m
Yield about 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Stir together the milk, salt, vanilla bean and seeds and 1/4 cup of the sugar in a medium saucepan until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sugar has just dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until smooth. While continually whisking, slowly pour in about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture. Continue to whisk until smooth. (This is called tempering, and it will prevent the yolks from scrambling.) Continue whisking and adding 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture at a time until completely combined and smooth.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and turn the heat to medium. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and the texture of pudding, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, then whisk in the butter until smooth and glossy. Remove the vanilla bean.
- Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface of the pastry cream, and refrigerate until chilled through, at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Before serving, whisk the pastry cream until smooth and fluffy.
CLASSIC CREAM PUFFS
The foundation of the perfect cream puff is light, airy pâte à choux, which is made with eggs, flour, and butter. Once the cream puffs are shaped and baked, they're filled with a rich homemade pastry cream.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pie & Tarts Recipes
Yield Makes about 28
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, sugar, salt and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and quickly stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until a film forms on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat and transfer contents to a bowl to cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously to entirely incorporate egg after each addition.
- For the egg wash, whisk together the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water. Set aside.
- Transfer the pate a choux to a large pastry bag fitted with a 5/8-inch plain tip. Pipe 1-1/2-inch rounds onto each prepared pan. Gently smooth the pointed peaks with a moistened finger, rounding tops to ensure even rising. Brush tops with reserved egg wash. Bake until puffs rise and are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Puffs can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Transfer pastry cream to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/8-inch plain round tip. Insert the tip into the opening of each pastry, and pipe to fill with pastry cream. Serve immediately.
PASTRY CREAM FOR CREAM PUFFS
Use this recipe to make our Cream Puffs.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring milk, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Whisking, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into yolk mixture. Slowly add remaining milk mixture until incorporated. Pour mixture back into the saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat, whisking, until it begins to bubble in center and registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; discard vanilla bean.
- Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add butter; beat on medium speed until butter has melted and mixture has cooled, about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Just before using, beat on low speed or whisk by hand until smooth.
Tips:
- Use the right ingredients. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Don't overcook the pastry cream. Stir it constantly over medium heat until it thickens, but don't let it boil.
- Let the pastry cream cool completely before using it. This will help it to set properly.
- Use a piping bag to fill the cream puffs. This will help you to create evenly filled puffs.
- Bake the cream puffs until they are golden brown. This will ensure that they are cooked through.
- Let the cream puffs cool slightly before serving. This will help to prevent the pastry cream from running out.
Conclusion:
Pastry cream is a delicious and versatile filling that can be used in a variety of desserts. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a little practice, you can make perfect pastry cream every time. So what are you waiting for? Give this pastry cream recipe a try today! You won't be disappointed.
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