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Fluff Cream Puff Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Pastry
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Light and airy choux pastry filled with silky vanilla custard and dusted with powdered sugar. A classic French-inspired treat, perfect for Mother’s Day!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Choux Pastry:

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Melted chocolate (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Choux Pastry:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a saucepan, heat water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt until it begins to simmer.
    • Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
    • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
  2. Add the Eggs:

    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
    • Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake the Puffs:

    • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
    • Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
  4. Make the Vanilla Custard:

    • Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm (but not boiling).
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
    • Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
    • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter. Let cool completely in the fridge.
  5. Fill the Cream Puffs:

    • Slice the cooled puffs in half and pipe the vanilla custard inside.
  6. Garnish & Serve:

    • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Make sure to let the choux pastry cool completely before filling to prevent the custard from melting.
  • You can make the custard in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • If you want extra crispiness, reheat the cream puffs in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before filling.