Aunt Pat’s Dreamy Cream Puffs Recipe: A Sweet Family Tradition

Delicate pastry shells burst with creamy goodness in this classic aunt pat cream puffs recipe that has delighted generations.

These light, airy treats melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The secret lies in perfectly crafted choux pastry that puffs up golden and crisp.

Soft, luscious cream filling transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

Every baker can master this elegant recipe with a few simple techniques.

The combination of delicate pastry and rich cream creates a heavenly balance of textures and flavors.

Prepare to wow your guests with these irresistible cream puffs that promise pure culinary magic.

Family Famous Cream Puffs: Why They’re a Treat

• Craft with Ease: Surprisingly simple recipe that breaks down complex pastry-making into manageable steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impressive cream puffs that look professionally made but can be prepared at home with basic ingredients and standard kitchen tools.
• Versatile Showstopper: Adaptable recipe great for special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or elegant dinner parties, guaranteed to wow guests with minimal stress.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance and assemble later, allowing flexible timing and reducing last-minute kitchen chaos while delivering a delightful dessert.

Cream Puff Ingredient Essentials

• Water: Essential liquid for creating the choux pastry base.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender shell texture.
• Flour: Structural component that helps form the cream puff shells.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a light, airy texture.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the creamy filling.
• Flour: Helps thicken the custard base.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Creates the smooth, creamy custard foundation.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the custard.
• Vanilla: Adds classic flavor to the custard.

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the cream puff shells.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy topping to complete the dessert.

Making Family Cream Puffs from Scratch

Step 1: Crafting Golden Cream Puff Shells

Preheat the oven to 400F (375F for dark pans).

Lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter, bringing to a rolling boil.

Quickly add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.

Spoon the dough into prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake for 25-35 minutes until shells turn a beautiful golden brown.

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open, allowing shells to rest and dry out for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Creating Luscious Vanilla Custard

• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Gradually pour in warm milk, stirring constantly.

Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.

In a separate bowl, temper egg yolks by slowly whisking in half of the hot milk mixture.

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Continue cooking and whisking until the custard bubbles and reaches a thick consistency.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Allow custard to cool completely.

Step 3: Assembling Delectable Cream Puffs

Carefully slice the tops off the cooled shells.

Gently hollow out the inner portions to create space for filling.

Dust shells with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Fill each shell with the prepared custard.

Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Replace the shell tops and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, delicate dessert.

Tips for Legendary Cream Puff Success

• Whisk eggs thoroughly to ensure a smooth, airy texture that creates light, delicate cream puff shells every time.
• Allow shells to cool completely in the turned-off oven with the door open to help them maintain a crisp, dry structure.
• Cook custard slowly and whisk constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, smooth filling that spreads easily.
• Refrigerate cream puffs for at least 4 hours to let flavors meld and improve the overall taste and texture of the dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate, sweet finish that makes these cream puffs look as amazing as they taste.

Cream Puff Variations for Family Gatherings

• Gluten-Free Cream Puffs: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a low-carb, gluten-free version. Adjust liquid ratios to maintain proper dough consistency.
• Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add cocoa powder to shell mixture for rich chocolate flavor. Use chocolate custard or chocolate-infused filling for extra decadence.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk. Use plant-based butter and swap egg custard for coconut cream filling. Perfect for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Savory Cream Puff Variation: Skip sugar, add herbs like chives or rosemary to shell dough. Fill with herbed cream cheese or chicken salad for a delightful appetizer option.

Cream Puff Serving Ideas

• Sweet Dessert Plating: Dust cream puffs with powdered sugar and arrange them elegantly on a white porcelain plate for an elegant presentation.
• Flavor Enhancers: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over cream puffs to add extra richness and visual appeal.
• Seasonal Garnish: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries during summer months for a bright, refreshing touch.
• Serving Companion: Pair with a hot cup of French press coffee or light herbal tea to complement the creamy, delicate texture of the cream puffs.

Best Way to Store Family Famous Cream Puffs

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the filled pastries chilled to maintain their delicate texture and prevent custard from spoiling.
• Wrap unfilled shells tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and fill just before serving to preserve their crisp texture.
• Keep unused custard in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Always use a clean spoon when scooping to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep the cream puffs crisp and fresh.

FAQs

• How do I know if my cream puff shells are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown color and a crisp exterior. The shells should be puffed up and feel light when you touch them. They should sound hollow when tapped gently.

• Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before filling the cream puffs to restore its smooth consistency.

• What's the best way to prevent my cream puffs from getting soggy?

After baking, let the shells cool completely and dry out in the turned-off oven with the door open. Fill the shells just before serving to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid refrigerating them for too long before serving.

Aunt Pat Cream Puffs Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate clouds of pastry heaven, Aunt Pat’s Cream Puffs whisper sweet memories of family gatherings. Delightful pillows of choux pastry cradle luscious cream, promising pure bliss with each heavenly bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick or 113 grams)
• 2 cups milk, warmed
• 4 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) heavy cream

Dry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (375°F for dark pans). Prepare a muffin tin with light grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a saucepan, combine water and butter, bringing to a rolling boil. Swiftly incorporate flour, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a cohesive ball.
3. Remove the pan from heat. Introduce eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
4. Continue mixing for an additional 10-15 seconds to ensure proper consistency. Carefully spoon the dough into prepared muffin cups.
5. Bake for 25-35 minutes until shells turn a rich golden brown. Once done, leave the shells in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for 20 minutes to dry out.
6. For the custard, blend sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add warm milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
7. Temper egg yolks by whisking half the hot mixture into them. Return the entire mixture to the pan, cooking while continuously whisking until it bubbles.
8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Allow the custard to cool completely.
9. Carefully slice the tops off the cooled shells and gently hollow out the interiors. Dust shells with powdered sugar.
10. Fill the shells with prepared custard and crown with a dollop of whipped cream. Replace the tops and refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

Notes

• Ensure water and butter are fully boiling before adding flour to create a perfect dough consistency and prevent lumps.
• Let shells cool completely in the oven with the door open to prevent collapsing and maintain their crisp exterior.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother integration into the choux pastry dough, creating a more uniform texture.
• Chill custard thoroughly before filling to prevent soggy shells and maintain the cream puffs’ structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg