Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
A Timeless Dessert Classic, Made with Love
When it comes to classic homemade desserts, few treats capture the heart (and taste buds) quite like Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. These delicate, airy pastries with their rich, creamy filling are the ultimate indulgence — a perfect blend of texture and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a special celebration, this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve cream puff perfection every time.
🛒 Ingredients
Before you begin, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
For the Pastry Shells:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 stick |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 1 pint |
| Instant Vanilla Pudding | 1 package (3.4 oz) |
| Milk | ⅓ cup |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly for a few minutes.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should become smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Spoon or pipe 8 mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 4: Cool the Puffs
After baking, insert a toothpick into each puff to allow steam to escape. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the puffs cool inside. This helps maintain their shape and structure.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened.
Fold the pudding into the whipped cream until well combined. Chill the filling if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Cream Puffs
Once the pastry shells are completely cool, carefully slice them in half.
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each puff generously with the cream mixture.
Top with the other half and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a stunning finish.
✨ Final Touches
Cream puffs are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they can also be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re honoring a family tradition or starting a new one, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a dessert that brings people together—one bite at a time.
