Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling are a timeless dessert that perfectly represents the elegance of Italian pastry. Light, airy choux pastry shells are filled with smooth, rich custard, creating a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting. These cream puffs are commonly enjoyed at celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings, and for good reason. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the creamy interior is truly irresistible. I tested this recipe several times to achieve a custard that is silky without being heavy and pastry shells that puff beautifully every time. While they look impressive on the table, they are surprisingly achievable at home with simple ingredients and careful technique. Whether served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, these cream puffs are a refined dessert that never goes out of style.
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Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling (Classic and Elegant Dessert)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 cream puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling are light and airy choux pastry puffs filled with rich, silky vanilla custard, a classic Italian-inspired dessert perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the Cream Puffs (Choux Pastry):
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool completely.
- To make the custard: Heat milk in a saucepan until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk, then return mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cool completely.
- Slice cream puffs in half or poke a hole and fill with custard using a piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
- Do not open the oven while baking to prevent collapsing.
- Custard can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Serve the cream puffs shortly after filling for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Water
Water creates steam during baking, which helps the choux pastry puff and form a hollow center.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the pastry while contributing to its tender texture.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure to the choux dough, allowing the cream puffs to rise properly.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for both structure and lift, giving the pastry its light, airy interior.
Salt
Salt balances the richness of the pastry and enhances overall flavor.
Milk
Milk forms the base of the custard, giving it creaminess and body.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks thicken the custard and create a smooth, velvety texture.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the custard and balances the richness of the eggs and milk.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps stabilize the custard and ensures a clean, sliceable consistency.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the custard flavor beautifully.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is used for dusting the finished cream puffs, adding sweetness and a classic finish.
Directions
Begin by preparing the choux pastry. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and the mixture begins to simmer, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Allow the shells to cool completely.
For the custard filling, heat the milk in a saucepan until just warm. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Let the custard cool completely.
Once cooled, fill the cream puffs using a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 16 cream puffs.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling and filling time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Unfilled cream puffs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled cream puffs should be refrigerated and enjoyed within 24 hours. Do not reheat, as the custard filling is best served chilled.
Variations and Customizations
For a chocolate variation, add cocoa powder to the custard or fill the puffs with chocolate pastry cream. I tested a chocolate version, and it pairs beautifully with the light pastry shells.
You can also flavor the custard with lemon zest or orange zest for a citrus-forward profile. This adds freshness and brightness to the dessert.
For an extra indulgent option, dip the tops of the filled cream puffs in melted chocolate and allow them to set. This creates a bakery-style finish.
If you prefer a lighter filling, fold whipped cream into the custard to create a diplomat cream. This results in a softer, airier texture.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 95 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dry the Dough
Cooking the dough thoroughly before adding eggs helps create better structure.
Do Not Open the Oven
Opening the oven early can cause the cream puffs to collapse.
Smooth Custard
Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.
Cool Completely
Both pastry and custard must be fully cooled before filling.
Pipe Carefully
Use gentle pressure to avoid splitting the shells.
FAQs
Why did my cream puffs deflate?
They may have been underbaked or exposed to a sudden temperature change.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes, custard can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
Can I freeze cream puffs?
Unfilled shells freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
What is the best filling alternative?
Whipped cream, chocolate cream, or pastry cream all work beautifully.
How do I keep cream puffs crisp?
Fill them shortly before serving to maintain texture.
Are these suitable for special occasions?
Yes, they are ideal for holidays, parties, and elegant gatherings.
Conclusion
Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling are a classic dessert that delivers elegance, texture, and rich flavor in every bite. With their light pastry shells and smooth custard center, they offer a refined yet comforting experience that never fails to impress. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring traditional Italian baking into your home kitchen.
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