grandma’s cream puff recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grandma’s cream puff recipe

I’m so excited to share my grandma’s cream puff recipe with you all. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and it’s a staple at every family gathering. I remember helping my grandma in the kitchen when I was a kid, watching as she carefully piped the cream into the perfectly baked puffs.

The combination of the flaky pastry and the light, airy cream is just magic. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner in the kitchen.

The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the dough. My grandma always said that the secret to a good cream puff is in the way you pipe the cream – it’s all about creating those delicate, swoopy lines that make it look like a work of art. I’ve had people ask me for this recipe for years, and I’m finally sharing it with you all today.

So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious cream puffs. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a special treat for your family, these cream puffs are sure to hit the spot. And as an added bonus, they’re relatively healthy compared to other sweet treats out there – just be sure to use whole milk and real butter for the best flavor.

I’ve also included some tips below on how to store and reheat these puffs, so be sure to check those out as well.

Grandma’s Cream Puffs

4.9 from 1723 votes

Grandma’s Cream Puffs are light, airy pastries filled with creamy custard. This classic recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pastry

1 cup water
4 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs

For the Filling

2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup whole milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
3Add salt and flour, stirring vigorously until a thick dough forms.
4Remove from heat.
5Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl.
6Beat in eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and shiny.
7This should take about 2 to 3 minutes and the dough should be thick and slightly glossy.
8Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9Use a spoon to shape the dough into 12 equal mounds.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp.
11The puffs should be hollow inside.
12Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
13The puffs should be slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
14For the filling, in a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
15This should take about 3 to 4 minutes and the cream should be thick and hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.
16Cut the tops off the cooled cream puffs and set aside.
17Spoon or pipe the whipped cream filling into each puff.
18Dust the tops with powdered sugar.
19Reattach the tops and serve immediately.
20The cream puffs should be light, airy, and filled with creamy custard.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Piping bag
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of water in the pastry dough. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring these delicious cream puffs as much as my family does! They’re perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a special treat for your family.

One tip I will share is that these cream puffs freeze beautifully, so feel free to make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat them in the oven until they’re warm and puffed up again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Cream Puffs

Q: What type of pastry dough should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either store-bought puff pastry or make your own from scratch using a combination of flour, butter, and water. If you’re short on time, store-bought is definitely fine – just thaw it according to the package instructions before using.

Q: How do I ensure my cream puffs are evenly baked?

A: To ensure even baking, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature (usually around 400°F) and that you’re not overcrowding your baking sheet – give them plenty of space to expand during baking.

Q: Can I make these cream puffs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the pastry dough ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I know when my cream puffs are done baking?

A: They should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch – if they’re still soft or pale, bake them for a few more minutes until they’re done.

Q: Can I use different flavors in my cream filling?

A: Absolutely – try using different extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavor combinations or add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.

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