Classic Cream Puffs with Caramel & Vanilla Cream

Ingredients

For the Dough (Choux Pastry):

• • Water: 200 ml (¾ cup)
    • Purpose: Provides the liquid needed to create steam, which helps the dough rise in the oven.

• • Butter: 50g (1¾ oz)
    • Purpose: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, contributing to its tender texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 150g (1¼ cup)
    • • Purpose: Forms the structure of the puffs, creating a light and airy texture.

     

  • Salt: A pinch
    • Purpose: Enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

• Eggs: 4
  • Purpose: Provides moisture and structure, helping the dough to rise and hold its shape.

For the Caramel Cream:

• • Sugar: 4 tbsp
    • • Purpose: Caramelizes to create a rich, golden caramel that adds a deep flavor to the cream.

     

  • Heavy Cream (for cooking): 150 ml (⅔ cup)
    • Purpose: Combines with the caramelized sugar to create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Heavy Cream (for whipping): 300 ml (1¼ cups)
  • Purpose: Whipped to create a light and airy texture that blends beautifully with the caramel.

For the Vanilla Cream:

• • Milk: 400 ml (1⅔ cup)
    • • Purpose: The base for the custard, providing a smooth and creamy consistency.

     

  • Vanilla Custard Powder or Cornstarch: 50g (⅓ cup)
    • Purpose: Thickens the milk to form a rich vanilla custard.

• Sugar: 4 tbsp
  • Purpose: Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors.
• Heavy Cream: 300 ml (1¼ cups)
  • • Purpose: Whipped to add a light and fluffy texture to the vanilla cream.

   

For the Caramel Frosting (optional):

• • Sugar: 125g (⅔ cup)
    • Purpose: Caramelizes to create a glossy, sweet frosting.

• Butter: 45g (1½ oz)
  • Purpose: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel frosting.
• Heavy Cream: 75 ml (⅓ cup)
  • • Purpose: Helps achieve a smooth consistency for the frosting.

   

Instructions

1. Make the Caramel Cream:

• • Caramelize the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, add 4 tablespoons of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden caramel color. This process requires patience—don’t rush it. The sugar will first clump up and then slowly melt. Be cautious as the caramel can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
    • Tip: Use a heat-resistant spatula and avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent crystallization.

• • Add Heavy Cream: Once the sugar is fully caramelized, carefully pour in 150 ml (⅔ cup) of heavy cream (for cooking). The mixture will bubble vigorously—be careful of splatters! Continue to whisk until the caramel and cream are fully combined and smooth.
    • Tip: If the caramel seizes up when adding the cream, gently heat and whisk until it returns to a smooth consistency.
  • Cool: Remove from heat and allow the caramel cream to cool completely. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

2. Make the Vanilla Cream:

• Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together 400 ml (1⅔ cup) of milk, 50g (⅓ cup) of vanilla custard powder (or cornstarch), and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  • Tip: Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture before heating to ensure a smooth custard.
• Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continuously whisk the mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble. This should take a few minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  • • Tip: Stir the custard occasionally as it cools to prevent a skin from forming.

   
• Prepare the Cream: Once the custard is cool, whip 300 ml (1¼ cups) of heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard until well combined and smooth.

3. Make the Choux Pastry Dough:

• • Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine 200 ml (¾ cup) of water, 50g (1¾ oz) of butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
    • • Tip: The butter should melt completely before adding the flour.

     

  • Add Flour: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and add 150g (1¼ cup) of all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
    • Tip: Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly. This step is crucial for achieving the proper texture.

• • Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes until it is just warm to the touch.
  • Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become thick and glossy. It’s important to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
    • Tip: The dough is ready when it forms a smooth, shiny consistency and falls from the spoon in a thick ribbon.

4. Assemble and Bake the Cream Puffs:

• • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
    • Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve a good rise.
  • Pipe the Dough: Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff to allow for expansion.
    • • Tip: For uniform puffs, pipe the dough in even sizes and avoid overfilling the piping bag.

     
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 230°C (446°F). After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent collapsing.
    • Tip: The puffs are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• Cool: Allow the cream puffs to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

5. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

• • Cut the Puffs: Once the puffs are completely cool, use a serrated knife to cut them in half horizontally. This will create a top and bottom for each puff.
    • Tip: If the puffs have any soft or soggy spots, discard or trim them before filling.

• • Fill with Caramel Cream: Whip 300 ml (1¼ cups) of heavy cream (for whipping) to stiff peaks. Gently fold the cooled caramel cream into the whipped cream mixture.
    • Tip: Be careful not to overmix—fold just until combined to keep the filling light and airy.
  • Fill the Puffs: Spoon or pipe the caramel cream mixture into the bottom half of each puff.

• Top with Vanilla Cream: Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream on top of the caramel cream, then place the top halves of the puffs over the filling.

6. Make the Caramel Frosting (Optional):

• • Prepare Caramel: In a small saucepan, heat 125g (⅔ cup) of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts and turns a deep caramel color.
    • Tip: Watch carefully as the sugar can quickly burn. If necessary, adjust the heat to ensure even melting.

• • Add Butter and Cream: Once the sugar is caramelized, carefully whisk in 45g (1½ oz) of butter and 75 ml (⅓ cup) of heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously—use caution!
    • Tip: Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.
  • Drizzle: Drizzle the caramel frosting over the top of the filled cream puffs for a sweet and glossy finish.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the cream puffs in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They are best enjoyed within 2 days of assembly to maintain the crispness of the pastry and the freshness of the cream.