A cream puff is a light, airy pastry made from pâte à choux (choux pastry). It’s hollow inside and typically filled with a sweet or savory filling. The most common filling is sweetened whipped cream, pastry cream, or custard, though variations with savory fillings like cream cheese or seafood mousse also exist.

How It’s Made:

  1. Choux Pastry: Made by cooking a mixture of water, butter, flour, and eggs on the stovetop, then baking it in the oven. This process creates a shell with a crisp outer layer and a hollow center.
  2. Filling: Once cooled, the pastry is filled using a piping bag or by slicing it open and spooning in the filling.
  3. Topping (optional): Often dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate, or glazed with caramel.

Uses:

  • Dessert: Usually served as part of a dessert spread.
  • Profiteroles: A variation often filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce.
  • Savory Appetizer: Filled with savory ingredients for hors d’oeuvres.

They’re loved for their delicate texture and delicious, customizable filling options!

Image from Wikipedia