These almond cream puffs are an irresistible dessert, combining the delicate crunch of a puff pastry shell with a rich mascarpone filling. The crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior create a delightful texture contrast that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these puffs will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 eggs
- 120g (4 oz) sugar
- 15g (0.5 oz) vanilla sugar
- 500ml (17 oz) milk
- 60g (2 oz) cornstarch
- 100ml water
- 100ml milk
- 80g butter
- 120g flour
- 4 eggs (for adding to the dough)
- Laminated almonds: 30g (1 oz)
For the mascarpone filling:
- 250g (8.8 oz) mascarpone cream cheese
- Powdered sugar (for decorating)
Directions
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Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, milk, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to boil. Once it begins to thicken, cover the saucepan with plastic wrap and set aside to cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the dough: In a separate saucepan, combine 100ml of water and 100ml of milk with 80g of butter. Heat over low heat until the butter has completely melted. When the mixture starts to boil, add the 120g of flour and continue stirring. Bake this mixture for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.
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Incorporate the eggs: Add 4 eggs one at a time to the cooled dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the last egg slowly, ensuring the dough comes away from the spoon. This will create a thick, smooth dough.
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Shape the dough: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon or piping bag, shape the dough into small mounds on the tray. Brush the tops with the remaining egg for a golden finish, then sprinkle the laminated almonds on top.
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Bake the puffs: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the puffs for 35 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, let the dough rest in the oven for an additional 10 minutes with the oven turned off and the door slightly open (about 2 cm) to ensure they retain their structure.
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Prepare the mascarpone filling: While the puffs are cooling, mix the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar to taste. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
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Fill the puffs: Once the cream puffs have cooled, cut a small slit in each puff and carefully pipe in the mascarpone filling.
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Serve and enjoy: After filling, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cream puffs for a decorative touch. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Facts (Per cream puff)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cream puffs, or choux à la crème, have been a beloved dessert in European culinary tradition, particularly in France. This light, airy pastry made from choux dough, the same dough used to make éclairs, has been a staple in French pastry kitchens for centuries. The dough itself dates back to the Renaissance era, believed to have been invented by French chef Panterelli in the 16th century. It gained widespread popularity after the famous chef Marie-Antoine Carême perfected it in the 19th century.
While cream puffs have their roots in French cuisine, they have become popular around the world, particularly in the United States, where they are often filled with whipped cream or custard and served as part of festive meals. The combination of a delicate puff pastry shell and rich cream filling is universally loved for its indulgence and light texture.
This specific version with mascarpone filling and almond topping is a modern twist on the classic. The mascarpone cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the crunchy pastry perfectly, while the almonds add a nice nutty crunch, making the cream puffs even more delectable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These almond cream puffs with mascarpone filling are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of crispy, buttery pastry with a rich, creamy filling. The dough itself is light and airy, creating a perfect contrast to the smooth mascarpone cream inside. The almond topping adds both flavor and texture, making each bite satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, a special celebration, or just treating yourself, these cream puffs are sure to impress.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
Although cream puffs are indulgent, they do provide some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Mascarpone cheese, the main ingredient in the filling, is rich in calcium and can help support bone health. The almonds used as a topping are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, which can help promote heart health and regulate blood sugar levels. However, due to the rich ingredients, this dessert is high in calories, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Serving Suggestions
- For a festive gathering: Serve these cream puffs as part of a dessert buffet at your next dinner party or family gathering. Their elegant appearance will make them the star of the dessert table.
- With a cup of tea or coffee: These puffs pair perfectly with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or espresso, making them a great choice for an afternoon snack or a brunch treat.
- As a standalone dessert: These puffs are rich enough to stand alone as a special dessert at the end of a meal. They don’t need any additional accompaniments, but a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
Tips
- Choux dough texture: When making choux dough, it’s important to get the texture just right. The dough should be smooth and thick enough to hold its shape when piped. If it seems too runny, add a little more flour until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Cooling the dough: After baking the puffs, let them cool in the oven with the door ajar to avoid deflation. This slow cooling process helps the puffs maintain their structure and remain light and airy.
- Filling consistency: When mixing the mascarpone filling, be sure to whip it until smooth but not overly thick. The filling should be creamy and easy to pipe into the puffs.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate filling: For a different twist, you can fill the cream puffs with chocolate ganache or a rich chocolate mousse instead of mascarpone.
- Fruit fillings: Add some fruit, like berries or lemon curd, to the mascarpone filling for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Different toppings: Instead of almonds, try other nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios, or even drizzle the puffs with a light caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
These almond cream puffs with mascarpone filling are an elegant and delicious treat that will elevate any occasion. With their light, crispy shell and creamy, rich filling, they provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert or a sweet snack, these puffs are a fantastic choice that’s sure to satisfy. Try making them at home, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the choux dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I freeze the cream puffs? Yes, you can freeze the baked cream puffs for up to a month. Store them in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature.
3. Can I use a different filling for the cream puffs? Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings, such as whipped cream, custard, or even pastry cream, depending on your preference.