Whip Up Heavenly Fluffy Italian Cream Puffs Recipe Today

Delicate pastry chefs have long cherished the art of creating authentic cream puffs with Italian cream puffs that melt in your mouth.

These heavenly treats emerge from a delicate choux pastry base, crisp and golden on the outside.

Soft, airy clouds of dough transform into delectable vessels waiting to be filled with rich, smooth cream.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of texture and flavor that transports you straight to the charming streets of Italy.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with precise technique to achieve bakery-level perfection.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with these elegant, irresistible pastries that showcase the magic of classic European baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need for Italian Cream Puffs

• Water: Provides hydration and steam for creating light, airy pastry texture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create golden, tender exterior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Flour: Structural foundation for creating crisp, puffy shells.

• Milk: Creates smooth, creamy base for pastry cream.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the custard.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness, color, and helps thicken cream.
• Cornstarch: Ensures silky, stable custard consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides classic, warm aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Offers bright, citrusy undertone to the cream.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant, sweet dusting.
• Candied Cherry or Fresh Berry: Adds decorative and flavor accent.

Tools to Make Traditional Italian Cream Puffs

• Large saucepan: Essential for preparing choux pastry and pastry cream base.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing dough and preventing sticking.
• Piping bag with large star tip: Key for creating beautiful puff shapes.
• Baking sheet: Necessary for even baking and shaping cream puffs.
• Wire rack: Crucial for cooling pastries without becoming soggy.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending egg mixture and pastry cream.
• Medium mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for precise ingredient quantities.

How to Pipe and Fill Italian Cream Puffs

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, getting ready for some serious pastry.

• Craft the Choux Pastry Base

Bring water, butter, and salt to a rolling boil, then toss in flour and stir like crazy until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy ball of dough.

• Egg Dance

Let the dough cool briefly, then add eggs one by one, mixing until the batter looks shiny and irresistible.

• Shape Your Dreams

Grab a piping bag and create beautiful circles or classic mounds of dough on the baking sheet, preparing for their moment of glory.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheet into the oven and bake until the puffs turn a gorgeous golden brown, resisting the urge to peek inside.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Warm milk and whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch, creating a silky custard that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Cook and Chill the Cream

Stir the mixture constantly over heat until it thickens, then add vanilla and a whisper of lemon zest. Refrigerate until completely cool.

• Assemble Your Masterpiece

Slice the cooled puffs, generously fill with the luscious cream, and crown with the top half.

• Final Flourish

Dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar and top with a cheerful candied cherry or fresh berry for a stunning finish.

Tips for Light and Perfect Pastry Shells

• Cream Puff Pro Tips
• Ensure your choux pastry dough is smooth and glossy by mixing eggs thoroughly, adding them one at a time until the batter falls slowly from your spoon in a ribbon-like texture.
• Keep cream puffs crisp by piercing the side of each puff with a toothpick after baking to release steam, preventing soggy interiors and maintaining that classic crisp shell.
• Experiment with pastry cream variations by adding almond extract, orange zest, or infusing the milk with lavender or vanilla bean for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace wheat flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cream puffs accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dessert.
• Prepare choux pastry shells and pastry cream separately up to two days in advance, storing shells in an airtight container and cream in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Serving Italian Cream Puffs That Impress

• Sweet Symphony Plating: Create an elegant dessert presentation by arranging cream puffs in a circular pattern on a white porcelain plate, dusted with delicate powdered sugar and garnished with fresh mint leaves.
• Berry Blissful Twist: Top each cream puff with a vibrant mixed berry compote or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweet pastry cream and enhance the Italian dessert experience with a classic caffè moment.
• Seasonal Celebration Style: Adapt the garnish based on seasonal fruits – use fresh strawberries in summer, poached pears in autumn, or candied citrus peels during winter for a festive touch.

Storage Advice for Cream-Filled Pastries

• Store cream puffs in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum 2-3 days. Keep pastry and cream separate if possible to maintain crispy texture.
• Wrap unfilled choux pastry shells individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
• Store pastry cream in sealed container with plastic wrap directly touching surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate and consume within 48 hours for best quality and taste.
• Assemble cream puffs just before serving to prevent soggy pastry. Keep components chilled separately and combine shortly before enjoying for perfect crunch and creamy texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Italian Cream Puffs?

The key ingredients include flour, water, butter, eggs, milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest.

• Why do I need to mix eggs into the dough one at a time?

Adding eggs gradually helps create a smooth, glossy dough that ensures proper texture and consistency for the cream puffs.

• How can I tell if my cream puffs are properly baked?

Look for a golden brown color and significant puffing. They should look crisp and fully risen without opening the oven during baking.

• Can I prepare the pastry cream in advance?

Yes, you can make the pastry cream ahead of time and chill it until you’re ready to fill the cream puffs, which can save preparation time.

Fluffy Italian Cream Puffs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Profiterole lovers will adore this classic Italian Cream Puffs recipe, showcasing delicate choux pastry filled with silky pastry cream. Elegant desserts like these highlight European culinary traditions while inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 mL / 16 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) water
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsps (24 g / 0.8 oz) cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• powdered sugar
• candied cherries or fresh berries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Organize a pristine culinary workspace and heat the oven to 400F (200C), positioning a parchment-lined baking sheet for pastry crafting.
2. Dough Foundation: In a saucepan, merge water, butter, and salt, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil. Swiftly reduce heat and vigorously incorporate flour, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive dough ball that cleanly separates from pan edges.
3. Dough Refinement: Allow the dough to rest and cool for 5 minutes. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly blending until the mixture achieves a luxurious, glossy consistency.
4. Pastry Shaping: Transfer the pillowy dough into a piping bag with a large star tip, elegantly forming 3-inch circular mounds onto the prepared baking surface.
5. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes, maintaining a closed oven to ensure perfect golden-brown puffiness. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
6. Custard Creation: Gently heat milk until steam emerges. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch into a silky smooth base, gradually tempering with hot milk while continuously stirring.
7. Custard Finishing: Return the mixture to the saucepan, cooking and whisking until substantially thickened. Remove from heat, infusing vanilla extract and optional lemon zest. Shield with plastic wrap directly touching the surface and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
8. Assembly: Carefully slice each cooled puff horizontally. Generously pipe the chilled pastry cream onto the bottom half, crowning with the corresponding top section.
9. Presentation: Finish by dusting with powdered sugar and adorning with a vibrant candied cherry or fresh seasonal berry.

Notes

Precision in Dough Consistency: Ensure the choux pastry dough is smooth and glossy, with eggs fully incorporated to create light, airy puffs that rise perfectly without deflating.

Temperature Control Matters: Keep oven door closed during baking to maintain consistent heat, preventing puffs from collapsing and ensuring a crisp, golden exterior with a soft interior.

Filling Technique Mastery: Chill pastry cream completely before filling to maintain structural integrity and prevent soggy pastry shells, creating a clean and professional presentation.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free version, use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly cream puffs, and experiment with sugar alternatives for reduced-sugar diet requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg