Cream Puffs with Luscious Vanilla Cream Filling

Imagine biting into a light, airy puff, with a creamy, dreamy vanilla filling oozing out with each bite—sounds like a little slice of heaven, right? These easy cream puffs are a total game-changer when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, yet simple to make. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! The combo of buttery, crisp cream puff shells and the rich vanilla filling is perfection in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Easy Cream Puffs
These cream puffs are ridiculously simple to make and turn out so impressively elegant that they’re perfect for just about any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special. The best part? They’re surprisingly quick, and most of the ingredients are things you probably already have in your kitchen. So, no need to stress about running to the store. Let’s dive in!

Versatile: Make these for a fun dessert at a party or just as an afternoon treat when you’re feeling a little indulgent. No matter the time or place, they’ll be a hit!

Quick & Easy: These cream puffs come together in under an hour—perfect for when you’re craving something decadent but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleasing: Cream puffs are one of those desserts that always impress. You know, the ones that get “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests, even though they were so easy to make!

Ingredients for Easy Cream Puffs
For the Cream Puff Shells (Pâte à Choux):
Unsalted butter

Water

Salt

All-purpose flour

Eggs

For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
Instant vanilla pudding mix

Heavy cream

Milk

Optional Garnish:
Powdered sugar (because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Puff Shells (Pâte à Choux)
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in water with a pinch of salt over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and the mixture starts to simmer, remove it from the heat. Add all of the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until a smooth dough forms, and it starts pulling away from the sides of the pan. This is the magical moment where the dough becomes the base for those gorgeous puffs!
2. Add the Eggs
   Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time. It may seem a little tricky at first, but just keep going! The dough will come together in the end. You want a thick, smooth batter that can hold its shape when piped onto your baking sheets.
3. Pipe the Dough
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a large round tip (or just use two spoons if you’re feeling casual). Pipe 1½-inch mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The puffs should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
4. Cool the Cream Puffs
   Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for 5-10 minutes to let the puffs cool slowly. This helps them stay nice and crisp. Once cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling
   While your puffs are cooling, let’s get that irresistible vanilla cream filling ready! Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, and milk in a large bowl until it thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes—this helps the filling firm up perfectly.
6. Assemble the Cream Puffs
   Once your cream puffs have completely cooled, slice each one horizontally with a serrated knife. Spoon or pipe the luscious vanilla cream into the bottom half of each puff. Gently place the top half back on, creating that perfect little cream puff sandwich.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
   Before serving, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar to give them a little extra sweetness and that beautiful final touch. Serve them to your family, friends, or enjoy them all by yourself—no judgment here!

How to Serve Easy Cream Puffs
Cream puffs are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a few fun additions:

Serve with Fruit: Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, make the perfect, refreshing contrast to the rich cream.

Pair with Coffee or Tea: These cream puffs are the ultimate treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or a nice pot of tea.

As a Dessert Table Star: These will absolutely steal the show at your next gathering. Think of them as little bites of fancy!

Additional Tips
Make Ahead: The dough for the cream puffs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, which is perfect for busy days when you want to bake later.

Freezing Tips: You can freeze the baked cream puff shells for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature and fill them with the cream when you’re ready to serve!

Flavor Variations: Want to get fancy? Try swapping out the vanilla cream for chocolate, coffee, or even fruit-flavored pudding for a fun twist.

FAQ Section
Q: Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the shells ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them with the vanilla cream when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze cream puffs?
A: Yes, cream puff shells freeze beautifully! Just make sure to freeze them without the filling. When you’re ready, defrost the shells and fill them with fresh cream.

Q: How do I store leftover cream puffs?
A: Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They’re still delicious, though they may soften a little over time.

Q: Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
A: Of course! You can switch the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate, banana, or any other flavor you like for a fun variation!

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