Description

These cream puffs are the kind of dessert that instantly transports you back to childhood gatherings and holiday dinners. With golden, delicate pastry shells filled with a dreamy, whipped vanilla cream, they’re a nostalgic treat made from simple ingredients and lots of love. Light, airy, and just sweet enough, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a beloved family classic that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Shells (Choux Pastry):

1 cup water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

Pinch of salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 1/2 cups cold milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Reduce heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. Cool for 5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Pipe or spoon dough into mounds. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
Poke holes in the puffs to release steam and cool completely.
In a bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until thick. In another bowl, whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into pudding.
Slice puffs, fill with cream, replace tops, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert