Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling

Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling

If you’re looking for an elegant and delicious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions, look no further than these Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling. These light and airy cream puffs are filled with a rich, velvety custard that’s delicately flavored with vanilla and a hint of rum. With a crispy exterior and a sweet, creamy center, these cream puffs are a delightful treat that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups water
• 9½ tablespoons butter
• 6 large eggs

For the Custard:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a heavy saucepan, heat the water and butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and add the flour mixture all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until well combined.
4. Return the pan to medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
5. Remove the pan from heat and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and shiny.
6. Using a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip, pipe 3-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about ½ inch of space between each puff.
7. Bake the puffs for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Once done, carefully slit the side of each puff with a knife to release steam and prevent sogginess. Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat.
4. In a small bowl, slowly whisk some of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and rum.
6. Transfer the custard to a shallow bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until the custard is fully cooled.

Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Once the custard has cooled, cut the tops off the cream puffs or use a piping bag to fill the slits made earlier in each puff.
2. Fill the puffs generously with custard until they are full.
3. For an extra touch of elegance, top each cream puff with a cherry and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 cream puffs
• Calories: 320 kcal per puff

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Light & Airy Pastry: The cream puffs are baked to perfection with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior, perfect for holding the rich custard filling.
• Velvety Custard: The custard is smooth, creamy, and flavorful, with a hint of rum and vanilla that elevates the dessert.
• Perfect for Entertaining: These Italian cream puffs are an elegant and impressive dessert for special occasions, holidays, or dinner parties.

Tips for Success:

• Release Steam: Don’t forget to carefully slit the sides of the puffs after baking to allow steam to escape, which prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Chill the Custard: Make sure the custard is completely cooled before filling the puffs to ensure the best texture and flavor.

These Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling are a truly indulgent treat that will leave everyone coming back for more. The perfect combination of crispy pastry and creamy custard makes this dessert a timeless classic. Enjoy!

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