Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Cream puffs are a delightful dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Light, airy, and filled with a rich, creamy filling, these pastries are a timeless treat. One recipe that stands out is Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. This guide will walk you through the process of making these delicious pastries, ensuring they turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

To create Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

These ingredients are split into two main parts: the filling and the pastry shells. The filling is a simple mix of vanilla pudding, heavy cream, and milk, while the pastry shells are made from a classic choux pastry dough.

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

The first step in making Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs is to prepare the filling. This filling is a luscious combination of vanilla pudding, heavy cream, and milk. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, and milk. Ensure the mixture is well combined and smooth.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to set. This will take about 15-20 minutes. The filling should be thick and creamy once it is set.

Step 2: Making the Pastry Dough

The next step is to make the choux pastry dough, which will form the shells of the cream puffs. This dough is unique because it is cooked twice – once on the stove and then in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a large pot, bring the water and butter to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. The butter should be completely melted, and the mixture should be bubbling vigorously.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour and salt to the pot. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pot. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, so it’s not too hot when you add the eggs.

Step 3: Incorporating the Eggs

Adding the eggs to the dough is a crucial step, as they help create the light and airy texture of the cream puffs.

1. Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
2. Once all the eggs are incorporated, the dough should be thick but smooth enough to pipe or drop onto a baking sheet.

Step 4: Forming and Baking the Shells

Now it’s time to shape and bake the cream puff shells.

1. Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. You can use a piping bag for more uniform shapes if desired.
2. Bake the shells in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed up. The centers should be dry. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as the steam inside the shells is crucial for their rise.
3. Once baked, remove the shells from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Filling the Cream Puffs

After the shells have cooled, it’s time to fill them with the delicious pudding mixture.

1. There are two methods for filling the cream puffs: you can either split the shells in half and spoon the filling inside, or use a pastry bag to pipe the filling into the shells.
2. If you choose to pipe the filling, insert the tip of the pastry bag into the bottom of the shell and squeeze until the shell feels heavy and full.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Once the cream puffs are filled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Arrange them on a serving platter and watch them disappear!

Tips for Success

1. Temperature Control: Ensure that the water and butter mixture is boiling before adding the flour. This helps the dough form correctly.
2. Egg Incorporation: Be patient when adding the eggs. The dough might look like it’s separating, but keep beating, and it will come together into a smooth paste.
3. Baking: Avoid opening the oven door during baking. The steam created inside the shells is essential for their rise.
4. Cooling: Let the shells cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.

Variations

While the classic vanilla filling is delicious, you can experiment with different flavors:

• Chocolate Filling: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla for a rich chocolate cream puff.
• Fruit Filling: Add fresh berries or a fruit compote to the vanilla filling for a fruity twist.
• Savory Cream Puffs: Omit the sugar from the dough and fill the shells with savory fillings like herbed cream cheese or smoked salmon mousse for an elegant appetizer.

Conclusion

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. With their light, airy shells and rich, creamy filling, they are perfect for any occasion. By following this detailed guide, you can recreate these delicious pastries in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process of making and, most importantly, savoring these delectable cream puffs. Happy baking!