These Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are light as air, beautifully golden, and filled with a rich, fluffy vanilla cream that melts in your mouth. Made with classic choux pastry dough and a quick, no-cook filling, this dessert looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat, these cream puffs deliver bakery-quality results with simple ingredients.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This cream puff recipe is ideal for:
- Home bakers looking for a classic French-style dessert
- Anyone needing a make-ahead party dessert
- Beginners wanting to learn choux pastry
- Families who love light, creamy sweets
- Holiday tables, birthdays, and special gatherings
Why It’s Great
- Light, airy pastry with a crisp shell
- Quick homemade vanilla cream filling
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- Same dough used for éclairs and profiteroles
- Elegant dessert without complicated techniques
Ingredients
Cream Puff Pastry
- 1 stick (½ cup / 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Cream Filling
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ⅓ cup cold milk
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Serrated knife or piping bag
How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
- Prepare the Dough
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Cook the Base
In a saucepan, bring butter, water, and vanilla to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. - Cool & Add Eggs
Remove from heat and allow dough to cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. - Shape & Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven while baking. - Cool Completely
Remove from oven and allow cream puffs to cool fully before filling.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk until thick and fluffy, similar to stabilized whipped cream.
Assemble
Slice each cream puff in half and pipe or spoon the filling inside. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage
- Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Unfilled shells can be stored at room temperature for 1 day
- Freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month (re-crisp in oven before filling)
FAQ
Why didn’t my cream puffs rise?
The dough may have been too hot when eggs were added, or the oven door was opened during baking.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Bake shells in advance and fill shortly before serving.
Can I change the filling flavor?
Absolutely — try chocolate pudding, lemon pudding, or add cocoa powder to the cream.
Can I pipe the dough instead of spooning it?
Yes, piping creates more uniform cream puffs.
Conclusion
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are proof that timeless recipes never go out of style. With their crisp shells, cloud-like filling, and irresistible flavor, these cream puffs are perfect for everything from casual family desserts to elegant celebrations. Once you make them, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen — just like Mom intended
