The BEST Cream Puff Cake Recipe

If you love classic cream puffs but want an easier way to enjoy their delicate flavor, this Cream Puff Cake is the perfect dessert for you! It has all the elements of a traditional cream puff—light and airy pastry, creamy vanilla filling, and a rich chocolate topping—but in a much simpler, crowd-friendly format. This recipe transforms the classic French dessert into a luscious, layered cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

One of the best things about this Cream Puff Cake is its unique texture. The base is made from choux pastry, the same dough used for cream puffs and éclairs. It bakes up golden and slightly crisp, forming the perfect foundation for the creamy filling. The vanilla custard-like filling is light yet rich, balancing the delicate pastry beautifully.

This dessert is incredibly easy to make, especially compared to traditional cream puffs that require careful piping and filling. Instead of individually stuffing each puff, you simply pour the filling over the pastry base and let it set. The result is a stunning layered dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

The rich chocolate drizzle on top adds the perfect finishing touch. It brings a hint of decadence without overpowering the light and airy flavors of the cake. You can also customize it by adding fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent touch.

This Cream Puff Cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert because it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. The flavors meld together, and the filling becomes even creamier, making it a perfect option for entertaining or potlucks.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, this Cream Puff Cake is a must-try. It’s the ideal combination of simplicity and sophistication, making it a favorite for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

So, if you love cream puffs but don’t want the hassle of making individual pastries, this cake version is the perfect solution. Let’s get started!

 

 

 

 

Servings

• Yield: 12 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastry Base:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Pastry Base: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk, beating until thick and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
7. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled pastry base. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Make the Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
9. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cake. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
10. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Tips

• For a richer filling, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.
• Make it ahead for an even better texture. The cake tastes best after chilling for several hours.
• Customize the topping with white chocolate, caramel, or fresh berries.
• Use a serrated knife to cut clean slices without squishing the layers.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep it fresh.

Summary

This Cream Puff Cake is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic cream puffs without the hassle. With a light choux pastry base, a rich vanilla cream filling, and a decadent chocolate drizzle, it’s an elegant yet easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Make it ahead for the best results, and enjoy a slice of this irresistible treat!

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