Indulge in Nostalgia with Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs: A Timeless Treat That’s Sure to Delight
Step back in time and experience the joy of homemade desserts with Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs! These delightful treats have been a cherished family recipe for generations, loved for their light and airy pastry shells filled with a creamy and luscious filling. Whether enjoyed as a sweet indulgence with a cup of coffee or served at special occasions, Mom’s Cream Puffs are sure to evoke memories of warmth and love. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this timeless recipe and guide you through creating your own batch of these delectable treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop or pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small mounds about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
Mom’s Famous Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined.
- Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.
Assembly:
- Once the cream puffs are cooled, use a sharp knife to slice off the top third of each puff.
- Fill the bottom halves of the cream puffs with the prepared filling, then replace the tops.
- Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar for a finishing touch, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy the heavenly goodness of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough before baking.
- Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate mousse, whipped cream with fresh berries, or lemon curd for a variety of flavor combinations.
- For a chocolate version, substitute cocoa powder for a portion of the flour in the dough and fill the cream puffs with chocolate ganache or pudding.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener in the filling.
- Replace the instant vanilla pudding mix with a sugar-free pudding mix or make a homemade keto-friendly custard filling using egg yolks, heavy cream, and sweetener.
- Top the cream puffs with whipped coconut cream or a sugar-free chocolate ganache for a decadent low-carb option.
In conclusion, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless dessert that brings joy and nostalgia with every bite. With their delicate pastry shells and creamy filling, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the sweet magic of Mom’s Cream Puffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I freeze cream puffs? A: Yes, unfilled cream puffs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before filling and serving.
Q: How far in advance can I fill cream puffs? A: It’s best to fill cream puffs shortly before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cream puffs? A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the cream puffs by piping smaller or larger mounds of dough onto the baking sheet. Just keep in mind that baking time may vary depending on the size of the cream puffs.
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for the filling? A: While whipped topping can be used as a shortcut, it may not have the same richness and flavor as freshly whipped cream. For best results, we recommend using heavy cream and whipping it yourself.
Q: Can I add flavorings to the filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vanilla extract, almond extract, or other flavorings to the filling for a delicious twist. Just adjust the amount to taste.
