Description
Irresistible Italian choux pastry reveals delicate cream puffs filled with silky vanilla custard. Rich European tradition meets sweet elegance in these classic pastries that invite pure indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Ingredients:
- 2.75 cups (650 ml) all-purpose flour
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 9.5 tablespoons (142 ml) butter
- 0.125 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
Custard Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 0.5 cups (120 ml) flour
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rum
Instructions
- Craft a pristine workspace and preheat the culinary chamber to a precise 425°F (220°C), lining a baking surface with parchment for optimal pastry preparation.
- Meticulously sift the dry components – flour, salt, and baking soda – creating a delicate powder blend.
- In a robust saucepan, orchestrate a harmonious merger of water and butter, allowing them to become one through gentle heating.
- Extract the pan from heat’s embrace and introduce the flour mixture dramatically, stirring with vigor until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Return the pan to intense heat, continuously manipulating the mixture until it transforms into a unified, smooth sphere that effortlessly separates from the pan’s edges.
- Remove from thermal exposure and incorporate eggs sequentially, vigorously integrating each until the dough achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Transfer the dough into a piping vessel with a ½-inch circular nozzle, artfully depositing 3-inch circular forms onto the prepared surface, maintaining strategic spacing.
- Immerse the pastry creation into the heated environment, allowing them to metamorphose into golden-hued delicacies over approximately 20 minutes.
- Liberate emerging steam by delicately slicing each puff’s side, preventing internal moisture accumulation, then transition to a cooling platform.
- For the luxurious custard foundation, combine sugar, flour, and salt in a medium vessel, initiating a gradual milk integration while maintaining constant motion.
- Allow the mixture to thicken and bubble, then reduce thermal intensity, continuing gentle manipulation for an additional two minutes.
- Carefully temper egg yolks by introducing heated liquid incrementally, then reunite the mixture, cooking while stirring diligently.
- Infuse richness by incorporating butter, vanilla essence, and rum, then transfer the custard to a shallow receptacle.
- Shield the custard with protective wrap, ensuring direct contact to prevent skin formation, and chill thoroughly.
- Once cooled, either surgically remove pastry tops or utilize a piping implement to introduce the creamy custard into each delicate puff.
- Optionally crown your creation with a vibrant cherry and a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, transforming the dessert into a visual masterpiece.
Notes
- Master delicate pastry techniques that transform simple ingredients into heavenly Italian cream puffs with crisp exterior and creamy interior.
- Sift dry ingredients carefully to ensure smooth, lump-free dough that guarantees perfect puff consistency.
- Temper egg yolks gently by slowly introducing hot milk mixture to prevent scrambling and create silky custard filling.
- Create professional-looking cream puffs by piping uniform rounds with consistent spacing for even baking and elegant presentation.
- Cover custard surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, maintaining a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Cool cream puffs completely before filling to maintain crisp shell and prevent soggy texture, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg