Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling (Bignè) – A Taste of Italy in Every Bite
OMG, have you ever had Italian cream puffs (Bignè) that are so dreamy, they transport you straight to a little pasticceria in Italy? That's exactly how these little beauties make me feel! Flaky, golden pastry filled with the most luscious, velvety custard... it’s pure heaven in every bite. Get ready to impress everyone with these!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Light, airy puffs with rich, creamy custard.
✅ Simple ingredients, bakery-worthy results.
✅ Perfect for parties, holidays, or just treating yourself!
Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin (if needed for pastry)
- Cookie cutter or sharp knife
- Piping bag or Ziploc bag
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1️ Make the Custard:
In a medium saucepan, heat milk and vanilla over medium heat until just simmering.
In a bowl, whisk sugar and cornstarch, then whisk in egg yolks until smooth.
Slowly pour half the hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Return to saucepan with remaining milk.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and gently boiling. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth.
Pour into a bowl, press plastic wrap onto surface, and chill at least 2-3 hours.
2️ Bake the Pastry:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Unfold puff pastry and cut into circles (about 2-3 inches). Place on sheet.
Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely.
3️ Fill & Serve:
Whisk chilled custard to loosen. Transfer to piping bag.
Cut small slit in side of each puff and fill with custard.
Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
📝 Tips & Variations:
- Add lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the custard for extra flavor.
- Best served the same day for ultimate freshness.
- Pair with espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian treat.
Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling (Bignè)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat milk + vanilla. Whisk sugar, cornstarch, yolks. Temper, cook until thick. Stir in butter. Chill.
- Bake pastry circles at 400°F until golden. Cool.
- Fill with custard. Dust with sugar. Serve.
Notes
These Italian cream puffs are a delightful way to bring a little piece of Italy into your kitchen. Light, creamy, and utterly irresistible — they’re sure to wow your family and friends!