The Delightful Cream Puff Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the lightness of a classic cream puff with the elegance of a cake. This easy-to-make yet indulgent treat features layers of buttery pastry dough, filled with smooth, vanilla cream, and topped with a rich glaze. Perfect for any celebration or a special treat, this cake will leave your guests begging for the recipe!
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate drizzle or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour and salt. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a dough ball, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the eggs:
Remove the dough from heat and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will become smooth and shiny. - Shape the dough:
Spoon the dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a round cake shape about 9 inches in diameter. You can also use a springform pan for a more uniform shape. - Bake the dough:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely. - Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. - Assemble the cake:
Once the baked dough has cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread the creamy filling generously over the bottom layer. - Make the topping:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the filling, or pipe it on for a decorative touch. - Assemble the final cake:
Place the top layer of the dough over the whipped cream. For a final touch, drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with decorative toppings, if desired. - Serve and enjoy:
Slice into wedges and serve chilled. This creamy puff cake is sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion!