The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Light and Fluffy Cream Puffs with Vanilla Cream Filling

Light and Fluffy Cream Puffs with Vanilla Cream Filling

Cream puffs are a delightful treat that embody the perfect combination of lightness and sweetness. With a golden, crispy exterior and a creamy vanilla filling, they’re ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Homemade cream puffs are easier to make than you might think, and this recipe will guide you through creating these crave-worthy bites in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cream puffs are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a celebration of texture and flavor. The airy pastry is perfectly complemented by a rich vanilla cream, making each bite a heavenly experience.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Light and Fluffy: The puffs are airy and melt in your mouth.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, they’re easy to whip up.
  • Versatile: A crowd-pleaser for any event or occasion.
  • Customizable: You can modify the filling to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)

How to Make Cream Puffs with Vanilla Cream

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
  3. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
  9. While the puffs are cooling, prepare the vanilla cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  10. Once the puffs are completely cool, cut a small slit in the side of each puff and fill them with the vanilla cream using a piping bag or a small spoon.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Ensure the dough is well-mixed for a smooth consistency, which helps the puffs rise properly.
  • Do not open the oven door while baking; this can cause the puffs to collapse.
  • Let the puffs cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.

Easy Variations

  • Chocolate Cream Puff: Substitute half of the heavy cream with chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
  • Fruit-Infused Cream: Add pureed strawberries or raspberries to the vanilla cream for a fruity flavor.
  • Nutty Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of almond extract for a nutty cream puff experience.

What to Serve With It

  • Fresh berries for a bright and tart contrast.
  • A drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
  • A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If they become soggy, crisp them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Card

Light and Fluffy Cream Puffs with Vanilla Cream Filling
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cream puffs
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
  3. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
  9. While the puffs are cooling, prepare the vanilla cream filling. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  10. Once the puffs are completely cool, cut a small slit in the side of each puff and fill them with the vanilla cream using a piping bag or a small spoon.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes: Enjoy fresh for the best texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top