Ingredients
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 pinch salt
For the filling
2 cups milk
½ cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C
In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt, bring to a boil
Add flour all at once and stir quickly until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides
Remove from heat and let cool slightly
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy
Spoon or pipe small mounds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and puffed
Do not open the oven during baking
Remove and let cool completely
For the filling, heat milk in a saucepan
In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks
Slowly add warm milk while whisking, then return to heat and cook until thick
Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let cool
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and fold into the custard
Cut the cooled puffs slightly and fill with the cream mixture
Method
Classic choux pastry baked until airy, then filled with a rich vanilla cream
Benefits
Light texture with a creamy center
Homemade dessert without preservatives
Perfect for parties and special occasions
Nutrition
Moderate calories depending on filling
Contains protein from eggs and milk
Rich in fats from butter and cream
Tips
Make small even portions for uniform baking
Ensure dough is not too hot before adding eggs
Cool completely before filling to avoid melting the cream
Conclusion
Delicate, airy cream puffs filled with smooth vanilla cream make an elegant and delicious dessert that is surprisingly simple to prepare at home