Dreamy Cloud-Like Heavenly Cream Puff Cake Recipe

Baking a delectable cream puff cake sparks joy in every home baker’s heart.

This irresistible cream puff cake recipe promises a delightful blend of light, airy pastry and rich, smooth cream.

Layers of delicate choux pastry create a stunning dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Professional pastry chefs would marvel at its elegant simplicity and mouthwatering texture.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of crisp pastry and velvety cream filling.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this classic French-inspired treat that turns an ordinary day into a sweet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 12

Cream Puff Cake Ingredient Rundown

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, golden crust that forms the foundation of the cake.
• Water: Essential for creating the perfect dough consistency and helping ingredients bind together smoothly.
• Flour: Gives structure and creates the signature puffy base with a delightful golden texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients, add richness, and help the base rise with a beautiful, glossy appearance.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, smooth base that adds luxurious richness and depth to the filling.
• Instant Pudding Mix: Creates a quick, stable filling with intense vanilla flavor and silky texture.
• Milk: Helps thin the mixture and creates a perfectly creamy, spreadable consistency.
• Whipped Topping: Lightens the filling, adding airiness and a cloud-like texture to the dessert.

• Chocolate Syrup: Provides a decadent drizzle that adds visual appeal and extra indulgence.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional garnish that adds a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation.

Tools for a Light Yet Rich Cream-Filled Cake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, milk, and pudding mix.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the dough base with butter and water.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Key for baking and assembling the entire cream puff cake.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
• Spatula: Great for folding whipped topping and spreading mixtures evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.
• Wire Whisk: Helpful for mixing ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.

Layer Choux, Cream, and Chocolate to Perfection

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F and give your baking dish a quick grease coating.

• Craft the Dough Base

Melt butter and water together in a saucepan, bringing it to a rolling boil. Yank it off the heat and whisk in flour until a gorgeous dough ball forms.

• Egg

Let the mixture cool down a bit. Crack eggs in one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until your dough looks silky and glossy.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the dough smoothly across your prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it transforms into a puffy, golden masterpiece. Let it cool completely.

• Cream Cheese Bliss

Whip the cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy in a large mixing bowl.

• Create Dreamy Filling

Slowly blend milk and pudding mix into the cream cheese, beating until the mixture becomes luxuriously thick.

• Lighten and Fold

Gently fold in whipped topping to create an airy, delightful filling.

• Layer and Drizzle

Spread the creamy mixture evenly over your cooled crust. Drizzle chocolate syrup across the top for extra decadence.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into squares and serve cold. Optional: Dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar.

Tips for Puffs That Don’t Collapse

• Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Let the base cool completely before adding filling to maintain a crisp, firm foundation.
• Fold whipped topping gently to preserve air bubbles, creating a lighter, fluffier filling.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance for enhanced flavor melding and convenient serving.
• Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, lemon, or caramel for a personalized dessert experience.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Top with fresh berries, toasted nuts, or additional chocolate shavings for extra visual appeal.
• Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert option.

Serve Cold and Sliced for Dessert

• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Serve alongside a rich dark chocolate ganache drizzled on top for extra indulgence.
• Party Presentation: Cut into elegant bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated dessert display.
• Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or crushed hazelnuts over each slice to add delightful crunch and nutty depth to the creamy texture.
• Temperature Twist: Offer two serving options – chilled for a refreshing dessert or slightly warmed for a gooey, comforting treat that melts in your mouth.

Store in the Fridge to Keep It Set

• Store your cream puff cake in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it chilled and protecting its delicate texture from absorbing other flavors.
• After preparing, let the cake cool completely before refrigerating. This helps the filling set perfectly and prevents condensation from making the crust soggy.
• Cut portions just before serving to maintain the cake's beautiful structure. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise slices that look professional.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cream puff cake can last up to 2 weeks – perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers who want a quick sweet treat anytime.

FAQs

• What is the texture of the cream puff cake?

The cake has a unique texture with a crispy, golden-brown base that’s similar to a cream puff pastry, topped with a smooth, creamy filling that’s light and fluffy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might slightly change from the original recipe.

• How difficult is this recipe for a beginner baker?

This cream puff cake is moderately easy to make. The dough requires careful mixing, but the steps are straightforward, making it a good recipe for intermediate home bakers.

• What flavor variations can I try with this cake?

You can experiment with different pudding flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio, and use matching chocolate drizzles to complement the pudding flavor.

Heavenly Cream Puff Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic cream puff cake combines delicate French pastry with rich custard layers, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Elegant dessert perfection awaits you with each sublime, creamy bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 packages (3.4 oz or 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat to 400F (200C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray.
2. Create Pastry Base: In a saucepan, combine butter and water, bringing to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and vigorously mix in flour until a unified dough forms. Allow slight cooling, then integrate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to create a glossy, smooth pastry foundation.
3. Bake Pastry: Spread the dough evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform thickness. Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffy and golden-brown. Remove and cool completely.
4. Prepare Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Gradually blend in milk and pudding mix, creating a thick, lump-free cream. Fold in whipped topping gently to maintain a light, airy texture.
5. Assemble Dessert: Once pastry base is completely cooled, spread cream filling evenly across the surface. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate in an artistic pattern.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and meld flavors. Before serving, slice into neat squares and optionally dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Flour Power: Add flour swiftly and mix vigorously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, cohesive dough base.
• Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to create a glossy, stable pastry foundation that ensures structural integrity.
• Temperature Timing: Watch the baking process closely; golden-brown color indicates perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Cream Consistency: Blend cream cheese and pudding mixture until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps for a silky texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg