Perfect for any gathering or just a sweet treat at home, choux pastry is the magical base behind some of the most delightful desserts you can imagine. From elegant éclairs to cozy cream puffs, these 17 recipes promise to bring a touch of sophistication and a lot of flavor to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at choux for the first time, there’s something here to inspire your next baking adventure. Let’s dive in!
Classic Cream Puffs
Zesty and light, classic cream puffs are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. You’ll love how the crisp shell gives way to a fluffy, creamy center.
24
puffs20
minutes45
minutesIngredients
- For the pâte à choux:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Tip: Cook for an extra minute to remove excess moisture.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Tip: Wet your finger to smooth any peaks for even baking.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 15 more minutes until golden brown. Tip: Don’t open the oven door during baking to prevent collapse.
- Turn off the oven, poke each puff with a toothpick to release steam, and let them dry inside for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the cooled puffs in half horizontally and pipe or spoon the filling into the bottom halves. Replace the tops.
Fluffy and rich, these cream puffs are a delightful contrast of textures. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate for an extra special touch.
Chocolate Eclairs
So, you’ve decided to tackle chocolate eclairs, huh? These creamy, dreamy pastries are easier than you think, and oh-so-worth the effort.
8
eclairs25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the chocolate glaze:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat.
- Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 4-inch logs, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not open the oven door early, or they might collapse.
- While the eclairs cool, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the eclairs in half horizontally and pipe the cream filling into the bottom halves.
- For the glaze, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together, stirring until smooth. Dip the tops of the eclairs into the glaze.
- Place the glazed tops over the filled bottoms and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these eclairs are a chocolate lover’s dream. Try serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Paris-Brest
Paris-Brest is that show-stopping dessert you’ve seen in patisserie windows, but guess what? You can totally make it at home. Picture this: a ring of choux pastry filled with praline cream, and yeah, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
8
portions25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the praline cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup praline paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Tip: Make sure the butter is fully melted before the water boils to avoid evaporation.
- Add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Pipe the dough into a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent collapse.
- For the praline cream, heat the milk in a saucepan until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in the praline paste. Let cool to room temperature, then fold in the whipped heavy cream.
- Once the pastry is cool, slice it horizontally and fill with the praline cream.
Out of the oven, the Paris-Brest is a masterpiece of contrasts: crisp pastry giving way to creamy, nutty filling. Serve it as the grand finale to a dinner party, or hey, treat yourself to a slice with your morning coffee—no judgment here.
Gougeres (Cheese Puffs)
Perfect for any gathering, these Gougeres (Cheese Puffs) are light, airy, and packed with cheesy goodness. You’ll love how simple they are to make, yet they always impress.
24
puffs15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- Let the dough cool for 2 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Fold in the grated Gruyere cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or a piping bag, drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent them from collapsing.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Just out of the oven, these Gougeres are wonderfully crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them warm for the best flavor, or get creative by splitting them and filling with a savory mousse or herbed butter.
Profiteroles with Ice Cream
Craving something sweet and impressive but not too complicated? You’re in luck because profiteroles with ice cream are here to save your dessert game. These little puffs of joy are easier to make than you think, and filled with ice cream, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
12
portions15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
- For the puffs: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 4 large eggs, 1/4 tsp salt
- For the filling: 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- For the chocolate sauce: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
- Quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Tip: Keep stirring for another minute to cook the flour slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Tip: Don’t open the oven door too early or they might deflate.
- Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the chocolate sauce, heat the heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Cut each puff in half horizontally, fill with a scoop of ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.
Kind of magical how these light, airy puffs contrast with the cold, creamy ice cream, right? Try drizzling with caramel sauce or sprinkling with nuts for an extra twist.
Choux au Craquelin
Now, imagine biting into a cloud-like pastry that’s crisp on the outside, filled with creamy goodness, and topped with a sweet, crackly crust. That’s Choux au Craquelin for you—a fancy-sounding dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
12
portions25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the Craquelin:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Craquelin: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour until combined. Roll out between two sheets of parchment to 1/8-inch thickness. Freeze for 15 minutes.
- Make the Choux Pastry: In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a dough forms. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared sheets in 1.5-inch mounds. Cut the frozen Craquelin into circles slightly larger than the mounds and place on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent collapse.
- Make the Filling: Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks. Once the pastries are cool, slice and fill with the cream.
Zesty and luxurious, these pastries are a textural dream—crispy, airy, and creamy all at once. Serve them at your next brunch or as a decadent afternoon treat with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Salted Caramel Choux
Zesty and sweet, this salted caramel choux is the perfect treat to satisfy your dessert cravings. You’ll love the combination of fluffy pastry with rich, gooey caramel.
12
portions15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the salted caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Tip: Work fast to avoid lumps.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then, beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds. Tip: Wet your finger to smooth any peaks for even baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door early.
- For the caramel, melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber. Tip: Swirl the pan for even melting.
- Carefully whisk in butter, then cream. Stir in salt and remove from heat.
- Once choux is cool, fill with caramel using a piping bag or spoon.
Mmm, the choux is light and airy, while the caramel adds a deep, salty sweetness. Try serving these with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of elegance.
Matcha Green Tea Cream Puffs
Alright, let’s dive into making these delightful Matcha Green Tea Cream Puffs that are as fun to make as they are to eat. You’ll love how the earthy matcha balances the sweet, creamy filling inside a light, airy puff.
12
puffs20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the puffs:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp matcha green tea powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, quickly stir in the flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Tip: Keep stirring for about 2 minutes to cook the flour slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 1.5-inch mounds. Tip: Wet your finger to smooth any peaks for even baking.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven to 375°F and bake for 10 more minutes until golden and puffed. Tip: Don’t open the oven early or the puffs might collapse.
- Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and matcha powder until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the puffs in half and pipe the matcha cream inside.
Buttery and crisp on the outside, these cream puffs give way to a lush, matcha-infused center. Serve them dusted with extra matcha powder for an Instagram-worthy finish.
Raspberry Filled Choux
Baking up something sweet and sophisticated doesn’t have to be complicated. These raspberry filled choux are light, airy, and packed with a tangy raspberry cream that’ll make your taste buds dance.
12
portions20
minutes45
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the raspberry filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Tip: This prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
- Pipe or spoon dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 1.5-inch mounds, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce oven to 375°F and bake for 15 more minutes until golden and puffed. Tip: Don’t open the oven door too early, or the choux may collapse.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the choux cool inside for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- For the filling, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in raspberry jam.
- Once choux are cool, slice off the tops and pipe or spoon the raspberry cream inside. Replace the tops.
Ready to impress? These choux are a perfect mix of crisp shell and creamy, fruity filling. Serve them at your next brunch or as a fancy dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Pistachio Cream Puffs
Ready to dive into something sweet and a bit nutty? These pistachio cream puffs are your next baking project. They’re light, airy, and filled with a creamy pistachio filling that’s downright irresistible.
12
puffs20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the puffs:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pistachio paste
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat.
- Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking.
- Transfer puffs to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in pistachio paste and powdered sugar.
- Cut the cooled puffs in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the filling into the bottom halves, then replace the tops.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
You’ll love the contrast between the crisp shell and the smooth, nutty filling. Try serving these at your next brunch for a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Lemon Meringue Choux
Ready to dive into a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Lemon meringue choux combines the light, airy texture of choux pastry with the tangy sweetness of lemon curd and the fluffy perfection of meringue. It’s a showstopper that’ll impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite.
12
portions25
minutes45
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the lemon curd:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- For the meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Tip: Ensure the butter is fully melted before the water boils to prevent splattering.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1 minute.
- Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 2 minutes. Then, beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, leaving space between each. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Tip: Don’t open the oven door during baking to prevent the choux from collapsing.
- For the lemon curd, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Let it cool.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Once the choux has cooled, slice the tops off and fill with lemon curd. Replace the tops and pipe meringue over each. Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue. Tip: If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place them under the broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.
Out of the oven, these lemon meringue choux are a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, creamy and tangy on the inside. Serve them at your next brunch for a dessert that’s sure to steal the show.
Chocolate Hazelnut Eclairs
These chocolate hazelnut eclairs are the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey. You’ll love how they’re just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
8
eclairs25
minutes30
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball. Tip: Keep stirring for another minute to cook the flour slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the dough into 4-inch logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Tip: Don’t open the oven door too early, or the eclairs might collapse.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold in the chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Cut the eclairs in half horizontally and pipe the filling onto the bottom halves before replacing the tops.
- For the glaze, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Tip: Let the glaze cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from running off.
- Drizzle the glaze over the eclairs and let set for 10 minutes.
You’ll adore the contrast between the crisp shell and the creamy filling. Serve these eclairs with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside a cup of coffee for an extra treat.
Vanilla Slice
Remember those lazy Sunday afternoons when you craved something sweet but not too heavy? That’s where the vanilla slice comes in—a perfect blend of creamy custard and flaky pastry that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
1
slice20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
- For the pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- For the custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the puff pastry sheets on the prepared baking sheet. Prick them all over with a fork to prevent puffing too much.
- Brush the pastry sheets with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- For the custard, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in the hot milk.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly, then spread it over one pastry sheet. Top with the second sheet.
- For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the top pastry sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the custard to set.
Kind of magical how these simple ingredients transform into a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. The contrast between the crisp pastry and smooth custard is a textural dream. Try serving it with fresh berries for a pop of color and acidity.
Strawberry Choux
Absolutely everyone loves a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to eat, and that’s exactly what you get with strawberry choux. Imagine biting into a light, airy pastry filled with creamy goodness and topped with fresh strawberries—it’s a little bite of heaven.
12
portions20
minutes35
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Tip: Keep stirring for an extra minute to cook the flour slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and shiny.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Tip: Resist the urge to open the oven door too early, as this can cause the pastries to collapse.
- Let the choux cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the choux cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once cooled, slice the choux in half horizontally and fill with the whipped cream. Tip: Use a piping bag for a neater fill.
- Top with sliced strawberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Now you’ve got a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The choux is crisp on the outside, soft and creamy inside, with the fresh strawberries adding a juicy burst of flavor. Try serving these at your next brunch for a show-stopping finish.
Coffee Cream Puffs
Wow, have you ever had one of those mornings where only something sweet and caffeinated will do? These coffee cream puffs are your answer—light, airy, and packed with a creamy coffee filling that’ll perk you right up.
12
portions15
minutes35
minutesIngredients
- For the puffs:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Tip: Keep stirring for about a minute to cook the flour slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes until golden. Tip: Don’t open the oven door too early, or the puffs might collapse.
- Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip the heavy cream, instant coffee, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Tip: Chill your bowl and beaters for faster whipping.
- Cut the puffs in half and pipe or spoon the filling into the center.
Great for a brunch or as a fancy breakfast treat, these puffs are delightfully crisp outside with a cloud-like, coffee-infused center. Try dusting them with cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
Almond Croquant Choux
Fancy a little crunch with your cream puff? Almond Croquant Choux is your answer, blending the airy lightness of choux pastry with a sweet, nutty crunch that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
12
portions20
minutes34
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the almond croquant:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Tip: Ensure the butter is fully melted before the water boils to prevent splattering.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent deflating.
- While the choux bakes, prepare the almond croquant. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add almonds and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar caramelizes and coats the almonds, about 3-4 minutes.
- Immediately spread the almond mixture onto a parchment-lined tray to cool. Once cooled, break into small pieces.
- Once the choux is baked and cooled, slice the tops off and fill with whipped cream or pastry cream. Sprinkle the almond croquant over the top before serving.
You’ll love the contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy almond topping. Serve these at your next brunch for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Blueberry Cheesecake Choux
Let’s dive into making something that’s a perfect mix of fancy and fun—Blueberry Cheesecake Choux. Imagine biting into a light, airy choux pastry filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a tangy blueberry compote. It’s a dessert that’ll impress anyone without needing a pro baker’s skills.
12
portions25
minutes45
minutesIngredients
- For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- For the blueberry compote:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
- Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the choux from collapsing.
- For the cheesecake filling, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- For the blueberry compote, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Once the choux pastries are cool, cut them in half horizontally and fill with the cheesecake mixture. Top with the blueberry compote.
Kind of magical how these choux pastries turn out, right? The contrast between the crisp shell and the creamy, tangy filling is just divine. Serve them at your next brunch or as a fancy dessert, and watch them disappear in no time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these 17 choux pastry recipes offer something for everyone. From classic eclairs to innovative savory bites, there’s no limit to the delicious possibilities. We’d love to hear which recipes you try—drop a comment with your favorites and don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest!




