Foolproof Cream Puffs with Silky Vanilla Pastry Cream
Light, golden choux pastry that rises beautifully every single time — filled with a rich and creamy vanilla custard. These homemade cream puffs are elegant, irresistible, and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
125 ml water
125 ml whole milk
100 g butter
1 pinch salt
150 g all-purpose flour, sifted
4 eggs
For the Vanilla Pastry Cream
500 ml whole milk
4 egg yolks
100 g sugar
40 g cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
30 g butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
Remove from heat and add the sifted flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
Return the pan to low heat and stir for 1–2 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
Pipe small rounds onto the prepared tray, leaving space between them.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking.
Let the choux cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream
Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thick and creamy.
Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and butter, then let the cream cool completely.
Assemble the Cream Puffs
Slice the cooled choux buns in half or make a small hole underneath each puff.
Fill with the chilled vanilla pastry cream using a piping bag.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve fresh.
Crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, and filled with luscious vanilla cream — these classic French cream puffs are pure bakery-style perfection!
