Cream puffs with custard filling are a classic dessert loved by many for their delicate texture and rich flavor. The light, airy pastry is filled with a creamy, smooth custard that complements the crisp shell perfectly. Whether you’ve had these sweet treats at a bakery or a fancy event, making them at home is entirely possible—and it’s easier than you might think! In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make professional-quality cream puffs with custard filling. Soon enough, you’ll be whipping up these indulgent pastries like a pro.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy: The cream puff shells are perfectly light, crispy on the outside, and airy on the inside—melting in your mouth.
- Creamy Custard Filling: The rich, velvety custard filling is the star of this dessert. Smooth and indulgent, it takes the cream puffs to the next level.
- Customizable: While this recipe uses custard, feel free to try variations like chocolate custard, whipped cream, or even fruit-filled puffs.
- Impressive Dessert: These cream puffs look and taste like something you’d find in a high-end bakery, making them perfect for any special occasion.
- Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated—while it may sound complicated, making cream puffs at home is achievable with a few simple steps.
- Family Favorite: This dessert is loved by all, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a fun weekend baking project.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 cream puffs
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Dietary Information: Contains dairy and eggs (not gluten-free or vegan)
Ingredients
For the Cream Puff Shells:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Piping bag or Ziploc bag (with tip cut off)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Making the Cream Puff Shells
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cream puffs from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted, and the water comes to a boil. Once it starts boiling, quickly add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add eggs
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for a minute. Once the dough is slightly cooled, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smooth, shiny, and sticky.
Step 4: Pipe the dough onto the baking sheet
Transfer the dough to a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off). Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Each mound should be roughly the size of a walnut.
Step 5: Bake the shells
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to ensure the puffs remain fluffy. Once they’re done, remove the cream puffs from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
2. Making the Custard Filling
Step 1: Heat the milk
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer, but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 2: Whisk the egg yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and pale.
Step 3: Temper the eggs
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This will warm up the egg yolks and prevent them from curdling. Gradually add more hot milk until the egg mixture is fully warmed.
Step 4: Cook the custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from the heat.
Step 5: Add vanilla and butter
Stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated. Let the custard cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap against the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard for at least 1 hour before using it to fill the cream puffs.
3. Assembling the Cream Puffs
Once the cream puffs and custard have cooled, it’s time to put everything together!
Step 1: Hollow out the cream puffs
Carefully slice each cream puff in half horizontally. Use a small spoon to gently remove any excess dough inside, making enough room for the custard filling.
Step 2: Pipe in the custard
Using a piping bag or Ziploc bag, pipe a generous amount of custard into each cream puff shell. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the shells to break.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy!
Place the top half of each cream puff onto the filled bottom half. Arrange the filled cream puffs on a serving platter, and you’re ready to serve these delightful homemade treats!
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly and allow the eggs to incorporate properly.
- Chill the Custard: While it might be tempting to fill the cream puffs immediately, letting the custard chill helps it thicken and results in a more stable filling.
- Don’t Open the Oven: Avoid opening the oven door while baking the cream puffs. The sudden temperature change can cause them to collapse.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream puff shells and custard a day ahead of time, then assemble them just before serving. The puffs will stay crisp and the custard fresh!
Variations You Can Try
1. Chocolate Cream Puffs
For a chocolate twist, try adding cocoa powder to the custard or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cream puffs.
2. Fruit-Filled Cream Puffs
Add fruit puree (such as raspberry or strawberry) to the custard to create a fruity filling that balances the sweetness.
3. Whipped Cream Filling
For a lighter option, replace the custard with whipped cream or a combination of both custard and whipped cream.
Conclusion
Cream puffs with custard filling are a deliciously elegant dessert that is surprisingly simple to make at home. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create light, airy puffs filled with rich, smooth custard, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a sweet treat, these cream puffs are sure to impress.
Remember, with practice, you’ll perfect your technique and become a cream puff pro in no time. Enjoy the process, and most importantly—enjoy the sweet results!
