Old-fashioned cream puffs are a timeless dessert that evokes a sense of nostalgia and elegance. These delicate pastries are made from choux pastry, which is baked to achieve a light, airy, and crisp exterior. For Mother’s Day, cream puffs are an ideal choice for a light and airy dessert that can be both elegant and satisfying. Their fluffy interior and this creamy Mascarpone cheese whipped cream filling make them a perfect treat to celebrate the special occasion without feeling overly heavy. Additionally, cream puffs can be customized with various fillings and toppings, such as chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Ingredients

Pastry

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of butter (4 ounces)
•  1 cup of all-purpose flour
•  1/4 teaspoon salt
•  4 large eggs

Process

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
4. Add the butter. 
5. When the butter has melted, add the flour mixture all at once and stir vigorously. 
6. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a ball that doesn’t separate.
7. Remove from the heat and cool slightly (about 1 minute).  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each one until the dough is smooth.
8. Place spoonfuls of dough, about 2 inches apart, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Alternatively, put the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and pipe circles approximately 2 inches wide and 1 inch apart onto the baking sheet.
9. Bake the puffs for about until they are golden brown and puffy, about 25 to 30 minutes.
10. If the puffs are mini-sized, bake for about 17 to 20 minutes. 
11. Remove the cream puffs from the oven and cool on a cooling rack.

Mascarpone Cheese Filling

• 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla

Process

1. In a chilled bowl, beat the Mascarpone cheese and vanilla until creamy.
2. Add the heavy whipping cream, and beat until thick.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mix until fully incorporated.
4. Beat mixture on high speed until thick and fluffy.
5. Cut cooled puffs in half, and set the top half of the puff aside.
6. Fill the bottom halves of the puffs with the cream mixture, then replace the tops.
7. Drizzle with melted bittersweet chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
8. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tagged: baking, Cream Puffs, dessert, desserts, Food, Mascarpone Filling, recipe, recipes