Italian Cream Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Traditional Delight: Experience a classic Italian dessert that’s been cherished for generations.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the contrast between the crisp pastry exterior and the smooth, creamy custard filling.
• Elegant Presentation: Dusting with powdered sugar adds a touch of sophistication, making them ideal for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups water
• 9½ tablespoons butter
• 6 large eggs

For the Custard:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • In a large saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts to boil.
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
   • Return the saucepan to low heat and continue stirring the dough for about 1-2 minutes to dry it out slightly.
   • Transfer the dough to a large bowl or stand mixer. Allow it to cool slightly, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully blended. The dough should be smooth and glossy, yet thick enough to maintain its shape.
2. Shape and Bake the Pastry:
   • Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in small mounds or rings, leaving space between each one.
   • Place the puffs in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become crisp on the outside. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this may cause the puffs to deflate.
   • After baking, remove the puffs from the oven and make a small slit in the side of each to release steam. Cool them completely on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Custard Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt, whisking them together.
   • Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
   • Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble.
   • Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, gently beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
   • Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens further. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and rum until smooth.
   • Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
   • Once the custard has cooled and thickened, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
   • Carefully slice each pastry puff in half or create a small hole in the side. Pipe the custard filling generously into each puff, filling them completely.
   • Dust the assembled cream puffs with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 large or 24 small cream puffs.
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Custard: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the custard for a citrusy twist.
• Whipped Cream Filling: Substitute the custard with sweetened whipped cream for a lighter filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Unfilled pastry shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once filled, store cream puffs in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
• Reheating: To

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  Italian Cream Puffs

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 large or 24 small cream puffs
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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  Description

  Indulge in authentic Italian Cream Puffs, or Zeppole di San Giuseppe, a traditional dessert crafted with a crisp pastry shell and filled with a rich, velvety custard. Perfect for special occasions, these sweet treats feature a hint of rum and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

   

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  Ingredients

  • For the Pastry:

    • 2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 cups water
    • 9½ tablespoons butter
    • 6 large eggs

    For the Custard:

    • 1 cup sugar
    • ½ cup flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 4 egg yolks
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon rum

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  Instructions

  1. . Prepare the Pastry Dough:
     • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
     • In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
     • Remove from heat, mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until smooth dough forms.
     • Return to low heat and stir for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or stand mixer and cool.
     • Beat in eggs one at a time until dough is smooth and glossy.

     2. Shape and Bake the Pastry:

     • Pipe dough onto prepared sheets in mounds or rings.
     • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Slit sides to release steam. Cool on a rack.

     3. Prepare the Custard Filling:

     • In a saucepan, whisk sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
     • Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Temper egg yolks with hot mixture, then return to the saucepan.
     • Cook 2-3 minutes, stir in butter, vanilla, and rum. Cool with plastic wrap on the surface.

     4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

     • Fill a piping bag with custard. Slice or puncture pastries, then fill generously.
     • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

  Notes

  • Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent deflation.
  • For variations, try chocolate custard, lemon zest, or whipped cream filling.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian