Cream Puffs: A Delightful Bite of Sweet, Fluffy Perfection

Calling all dessert enthusiasts! It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love to devour cream puffs at a local fair, during Sunday brunch, or as a delightfully sweet dessert any time of year. In fact, the dairy state’s affection for this light and airy confection is why our stores handmake cream puffs daily year-round, with our peak season producing more than 86,000 cream puffs during the first two weeks in August! Once you taste our tried-n-true recipe for the choux pastry shell and real whipped cream, you’ll understand why our puffs deliver smiles and satisfaction with every bite.

There is so much more to explore in the wonderful world of cream puffs. Don’t be surprised if you are ready to fill your cart with 1 … 2 … or 12 of these fluffy, cream-filled treats by the end of this blog!

What exactly is a cream puff?

A classic cream puff is made from choux (sounds like shoo) pastry dough. While its origins are in Paris, France, there is no doubt that Wisconsin bakers have earned blue ribbon honors at mastering this base. The choux dough starts by blending boiling water, butter, flour, and sometimes sugar to create a smooth paste. Eggs are mixed in, and then the dough is piped or spooned onto a baking sheet.

In the oven, the magic happens: POOF … or should we say PUFF!

During baking, the choux dough puffs up to create a light and hollow pastry shell. Once cooled, the puffs are cut in half and typically filled with an indulgent abundance of sweet, creamy, rich, and smooth custard (usually eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla). But why stop there! Other variations for a marvelous middle include using whipped cream, flavored creams, or even ice cream as the filling!

How do you top that? With a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of chocolate ganache of course!

There's a cream puff out there waiting to whisk you away

Cream puffs come in a variety of flavors, so you’re sure to find (or make) one to suit everybody’s tastes:

• Classic real-whipped cream puffs ready to eat from our Bakery are always popular.
• Poke around and have some fun making our recipe for Cream Puff and Fruit Kebabs.
• Get creative and make a cream puff-inspired trifle for your next holiday get-together.

The possibilities are endless!

While they may seem like a complex confectionery creation, cream puffs are absolutely doable, even for beginner bakers. Armed with some basic ingredients you can find at your local Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market store and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of homemade cream puffs that will impress your friends and family.

Remember: Cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh. But these airy, dairy delights are so irresistible, they won’t be left sitting around for too long.