Cream Puff Cake is a perfect blend of flaky pastry and velvety cream, delivering a heavenly taste in every bite. This unique dessert combines the delicate texture of a cream puff with the ease of a cake, making it a showstopper at any gathering. With a crisp yet tender choux pastry base, a luscious vanilla cream filling, and a generous layer of chocolate glaze, this dessert is the ultimate indulgence. Whether for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this homemade delight is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Base:
- 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
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Spread the dough evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffy. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk the milk and vanilla pudding mix until thickened. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and gradually fold in the prepared pudding.
- Whip the Cream: Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the pudding mixture to create a light and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled pastry base. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle or spread the chocolate glaze over the chilled cake, ensuring even coverage.
- Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
This Cream Puff Cake is a true masterpiece of textures and flavors, offering a delightful crunch from the pastry, a creamy filling, and a rich chocolate finish. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a luxurious treat at home, this dessert is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!