Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are the ultimate homemade delight, featuring delicate, airy choux pastry filled with luscious, creamy custard. These timeless treats are perfect for any occasion, whether as a family dessert or a show-stopping addition to parties. The crisp golden shells combined with a rich vanilla-infused filling create a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.
This foolproof recipe ensures you get perfectly puffed pastries every time. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate these bakery-quality cream puffs in your kitchen and enjoy a taste of homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Filling:
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Topping:
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Pastry:
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to low and quickly stir in the flour and salt, mixing continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
• Transfer the dough to a piping bag or drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and puffed.
• Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the pastries cool inside to prevent deflating.
Making the Cream Filling:
• In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
• Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
• Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
• Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract, and let it cool completely.
Assembling the Cream Puffs:
• Once the pastry shells have cooled, slice them in half or poke a hole at the bottom for easy filling.
• Spoon or pipe the prepared cream filling into the pastry shells.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
Serving and Storing:
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy these heavenly Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, a homemade treat that’s sure to impress everyone!