Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are the dreamy, cloud-like desserts that will make you feel like a kid again. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky shell that gives way to creamy, sweet filling—pure bliss in every mouthful. The aroma wafts through the house, pulling everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame, and trust me, you’ll want to be front and center when these beauties come out of the oven.
Picture it: family gatherings filled with laughter, where you sneak an extra cream puff or two while your siblings argue over who gets the last one. These delightful treats not only taste heavenly but also bring back memories of love and togetherness. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a Tuesday night craving, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are always the perfect choice for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cream puffs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers and pros alike.
- Their light and airy texture contrasts beautifully with the rich filling that’s bursting with flavor.
- Visually stunning, they’re sure to impress at any gathering or celebration.
- Plus, they can be customized with various fillings or toppings according to your preference.
Ingredients for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cream puff pastry and gives it that delightful structure.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; it helps create that luxurious texture we all crave.
- Water: Essential for creating steam in the oven, giving your cream puffs their characteristic rise.
- Eggs: They provide moisture and help bind everything together while contributing to that fluffy interior.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness to the filling; use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the filling beautifully; sift it before use for a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor; choose pure vanilla extract for optimal taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. The anticipation is real!
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and unsalted butter. Bring it to a boil until the butter melts completely. Stir in all-purpose flour until combined; continue stirring until it forms a ball that pulls away from the sides.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy. You want this dough to be as silky as your favorite smoothie!
Step 4: Pipe Your Pastry
Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply cut off one corner). Pipe small mounds on the prepared baking sheet—aim for about two inches apart because they will expand like my waistline during holidays.
Step 5: Bake!
Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Resist opening the oven door during baking; patience is key here!
Step 6: Prepare Filling
While those gorgeous puffs are cooling down, whip up your filling by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Finally, once cooled, gently pierce each cream puff with a skewer or knife to release steam (and ensure they don’t explode!). Fill them generously with that luscious cream mixture using another piping bag or spoon.
Transfer to plates for serving—because let’s face it; presentation matters! Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
There you have it! Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are ready to make memories at any dessert table or just as an afternoon treat when life feels overwhelming. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the pastry dough, then prepare the filling while the dough cools. Bake the puffs until golden, and fill them just before serving for that delightful creaminess. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract with almond or lemon zest for a zesty twist. Experiment with different fillings like chocolate mousse or fruit purees to personalize your cream puffs and impress your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If filled, refrigerate them, but consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream to achieve maximum fluffiness.
- Avoid overcooking your pastry; golden brown is perfect!
- Finally, use a piping bag for neat filling without mess.
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when I first tried Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs at a family gathering. The compliments flowed like hot chocolate, leaving me wondering if I could ever replicate their magic in my own kitchen!
FAQs:
What are Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs?
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are delightful pastries filled with a rich and creamy filling. They feature a light, airy choux pastry that puffs up beautifully in the oven. This recipe replaces traditional ingredients with alternatives like chicken broth instead of alcohol, ensuring everyone can enjoy them. The cream filling is typically made from whipped cream or custard, flavored with vanilla or chocolate, making these treats irresistible for any occasion.
How can I make the pastry for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs?
To create the pastry for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, butter, water, and eggs. Begin by melting the butter in water until it simmers. Then, add the flour all at once, stirring until it forms a ball. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time. Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. The key is to not open the oven door while baking to maintain their puffiness.
Can I customize the filling for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs to suit your taste. Common options include flavored whipped cream (such as vanilla or lemon) or chocolate custard made with plant-based gelling agents. For added texture, consider folding in crushed fruits or nuts. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to make these cream puffs uniquely yours.
How should I store leftover Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs?
To keep leftover Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to freeze them for longer storage, place unfilled puffs in a freezer-safe bag after they have cooled completely. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and fill them just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
Conclusion for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
In conclusion, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs offer a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy without common dietary restrictions. The choux pastry is easy to prepare and puffs beautifully when baked correctly. You can personalize the filling to match your preferences using various flavors and textures. Whether served at celebrations or as an everyday snack, these cream puffs will surely impress your family and friends with their deliciousness!
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a nostalgic treat, featuring a light, golden choux pastry filled with a rich, creamy mixture that melts in your mouth. These delightful desserts are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging during an afternoon break. With their airy texture and customizable fillings, these cream puffs will charm everyone at the table!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil. Stir in flour until it forms a ball.
- Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed; avoid opening the oven door during baking.
- While cooling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Pierce each cream puff to release steam, then fill with the cream mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff (30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap vanilla extract with almond or lemon zest. Experiment with various fillings like chocolate custard or fruit purees. Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container for up to two days; filled ones should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
