Classic Homemade Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Filling
Looking for an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? These golden, bakery-style cream puffs are made from scratch with a light choux pastry shell and a luscious vanilla pudding whipped cream filling. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dessert, this homemade cream puff recipe is always a showstopper!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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✅ Impressive, yet simple – perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
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✅ Airy pastry with silky vanilla filling – classic comfort in every bite
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✅ Customizable with chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or fruit
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry Shells:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- ⅓ cup cold milk
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Toothpick or skewer
Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
2. Add the Eggs:
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The final dough should be glossy and pipeable.
3. Shape and Bake:
- Drop or pipe 8 large mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- After baking, poke a small hole in each puff with a toothpick to release steam and prevent sogginess. Let sit in the oven (turned off) with the door ajar for 10 minutes.
4. Let Cool Completely:
- Transfer puffs to a cooling rack and let cool fully before filling.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Cream:
- In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until thick and fluffy (soft peaks).
6. Fill the Puffs:
- Slice each puff horizontally. Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream filling into the bottom half and cap with the top.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a fancy finish.
Serving Tips & Variations
- Add sliced strawberries or raspberries inside for a fruity twist
- Swap vanilla pudding with chocolate or cheesecake flavor for variety
- Store filled cream puffs in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours for best texture
Classic Homemade Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, bring butter, water, and vanilla to a boil. Stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until dough is smooth and glossy.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and puffed. Pierce each puff with a toothpick and return to oven (off) for 10 mins.
- Cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream, pudding mix, and milk until thick and fluffy.
- Slice each puff and fill with cream. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
These homemade cream puffs with vanilla pudding filling strike the perfect balance between rich and light, sweet and subtle. They’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering—from birthday parties to elegant brunches—and they’re easier than you think to master. Try them once, and you'll be baking them on repeat!