Delightful Cream Puff Cake is a heavenly dessert that combines the delicate lightness of a cream puff with the rich, creamy filling we all love. Perfect for any celebration or family gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite. It features a soft, airy texture topped with a fluffy cream filling and a golden, crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake will impress with its delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
For the filling:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of butter to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted.
- Once the butter has melted, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp of salt all at once. Stir continuously until the mixture comes together and forms a dough ball. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Crack the 4 eggs, one at a time, into the dough mixture. After adding each egg, mix well until fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is crucial to achieving the right consistency. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dough is puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking to prevent the dough from deflating.
- While the dough is baking, prepare the cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Beat until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. This is important to avoid the filling melting or being too runny.
- After the cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to cut it into squares.
- Carefully slice each square in half horizontally to create two layers, keeping the bottom layer intact.
- Spoon or pipe a generous amount of whipped cream filling onto the bottom layer of each square. Be sure to fill them generously for that delightful creamy texture in every bite.
- Place the top layer of cake back on the cream filling and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy! This cream puff cake is perfect for serving chilled, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Conclusion: The Delightful Cream Puff Cake is the ideal treat to enjoy with friends and family, offering a balance of crunchy and creamy textures that are simply irresistible. The soft, airy cake with rich whipped cream filling is a wonderful dessert for any occasion, making it a standout treat for birthdays, holidays, or just a special night in. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity, using easy-to-find ingredients but resulting in a dessert that tastes like a gourmet masterpiece.