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