Hey there, pastry lovers! Today, we’re journeying into the world of classic American treats to introduce you to one of our favorites – Wow Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. These puff pastries have earned their fame through countless family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.
Wow Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are little pockets of joy. The light, airy pastry gives way to a velvety, rich cream filling that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a dessert that’s both delicate and decadent, leaving everyone reaching for seconds.
Ready to whip up these delightful cream puffs? Let’s gather our ingredients and bring the magic of mom’s kitchen to yours!
Ingredients:
For the Cream Puff Pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Have everything ready? Awesome! Let’s create these amazing cream puffs!
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Start by making the cream puff pastry. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, quickly stir in the flour. Continue to stir until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- After cooling, add the eggs, one at a time, to the flour mixture, stirring well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Drop tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the puffs are cooling, make the cream filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Once the cream puffs are cool, cut off the tops and remove any soft dough inside. Fill the puffs with the cream filling and replace the tops.
- Dust the cream puffs with additional powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
There you have it, your homemade Wow Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs! These little treasures are a beautiful blend of light pastry and luscious cream, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Serve them at your next gathering and watch as everyone’s faces light up at the first bite.
My Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs — When you bite into these, it’s like biting into a little cloud of heaven. Mom really knew her stuff! ☁️🍰
Special Equipment:
- Piping bag with a large round tip (makes filling the cream puffs a breeze)
- Mixer (for a smooth and perfect filling)
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a frothy cappuccino to balance out the sweetness.
- You can also serve these with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- Consider filling a few with a chocolate or fruit-flavored filling for variety.
Tips & Variations:
- Want to go fancy? Use a star tip in your piping bag for a decorative filling effect.
- For a choco-twist, add cocoa powder to the filling or use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- A hint of almond or rum extract in the filling can elevate the flavor profile.
- If you’re looking to add some color, consider garnishing with fresh fruit or even edible flowers.
Common Questions:
-
Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can prepare the puffs a day in advance, store them in an airtight container, and fill them before serving.
-
Can I freeze the cream puffs?
- Yes, they freeze well! If you decide to freeze them, do so without the filling. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature, and then fill.
-
I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use a substitute?
- You can use a combination of milk and melted butter as a substitute, but the texture might differ slightly.
-
My puffs didn’t rise properly. What did I do wrong?
- There could be several reasons, including: opening the oven door too often, overmixing the dough, or not incorporating the eggs one at a time.
Thanks, Mom, for this legendary recipe that warms our hearts and bellies alike! And remember, a cream puff a day keeps the frownies away (or something like that)! 😄🥳🍨