This Creamy Pudding-Filled Choux Pastry is a delightful combination of smooth, homemade pudding and a light, crispy pastry shell. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun, this recipe will impress with its delicate texture and sweet, creamy filling. Topped with a dusting of icing sugar, these pastries are perfect for dessert or an afternoon treat.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Pudding Filling:
- Milk: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar: 100g (½ cup)
- Egg: 1
- Flour: 4 tablespoons
For the Choux Pastry:
- Flour: 65g (½ cup)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
- Butter: 55g (¼ cup)
- Water: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Eggs: 2
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 200g (1 cup)
- Icing Sugar: To taste
Directions:
Step 1: Make the Pudding Filling
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 250 ml milk, 100g sugar, 1 egg, and 4 tablespoons of flour. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook the Pudding:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns into a pudding-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Cool the Pudding:
- Remove the pudding from heat and allow it to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix 65g of flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the Water and Butter:
- In a saucepan, bring 120 ml of water and 55g butter to a boil. Once the butter is melted, reduce heat.
- Add the Flour Mixture:
- Stir in the flour mixture all at once, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the Dough:
- Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for about 2 minutes.
- Add the Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Choux Pastry
- Form the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a round circle of about 20 cm in diameter, or pipe into smaller shapes if desired.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake the choux pastry at 200°C for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 180°C (356°F) and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and puffed.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese:
- In a bowl, beat 200g of cream cheese with icing sugar to taste until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Pastry
- Fill the Pastry:
- Once the choux pastry has cooled, slice it open and fill it with the cooled pudding mixture. Top with the cream cheese filling.
- Decorate:
- Dust the top of the pastry with icing sugar for a beautiful finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Add fresh berries on top for a fruity twist.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days.
Cooking Tips:
- When making the choux dough, ensure to cook the flour mixture thoroughly to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Add the eggs one at a time to ensure the dough stays smooth and glossy.
- For best results, don’t open the oven while baking the choux pastry—this can cause it to collapse.
- Let the pudding cool completely before filling to prevent it from melting the pastry.
- Adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese filling to your taste by adding more or less icing sugar.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cream Cheese: A source of calcium and healthy fats.
- Eggs: Provide protein and essential vitamins.
- Milk: Offers calcium and vitamins D and B12.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain meat products.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the pastry.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage:
- Store leftover pastries in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The choux pastry can be made ahead and frozen. Thaw and fill before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light and Airy: The choux pastry is light and puffs up beautifully, creating the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Creamy Delight: The combination of pudding and cream cheese filling adds a rich, creamy texture.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.
- Impressive Presentation: The puffed pastry and sweet filling make for an elegant dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Versatile: This recipe can be customized with different fillings, from custard to whipped cream.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pudding-Filled Choux Pastry is a show-stopping dessert that’s light, airy, and filled with rich, smooth cream. With its golden, puffed pastry and creamy filling, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat at home, this recipe is a must-try!
I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious pastries. Be sure to share your experience, and happy baking!