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Dreamy Cream Puff Cake

Featured in Desserts That Transform Moments.

Start with a choux pastry: boil butter and water, stir in flour, and add eggs. Bake to golden perfection. Make a creamy filling by blending cream cheese with pudding mix and milk, fold in whipped topping, then layer it over the pastry. Finish with a chocolate drizzle and chill for 2 hours before serving.
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Sarah
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:44:03 GMT
Dreamy Cream Puff Cake Pin it
Dreamy Cream Puff Cake | chefmiarecipes.com

This elegant French-inspired dessert transforms classic cream puffs into a spectacular layered cake. A crisp, airy choux pastry base is filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with billowy whipped cream, creating the perfect blend of textures in every slice. It delivers all the sophistication of individual pastries with the convenience of a single impressive dessert.

This recipe became a treasured family favorite after being shared at a neighborhood gathering. The hostess graciously passed along her recipe after guests couldn't resist returning for multiple servings. When recreated at home, it earned high praise from even the most dessert-selective family members for its balanced sweetness and satisfying layers.

Key Ingredients

  • European Butter: Higher fat content creates superior pastry texture and richer flavor
  • Large Eggs: Room temperature for optimal incorporation and proper rise
  • Block Cream Cheese: Full-fat variety adds richness and balances sweetness
  • Premium Vanilla Pudding: Creates ideal filling consistency
  • Heavy Cream: For a classic whipped topping that holds its shape

Essential Techniques

Base Preparation:
Achieve proper choux pastry by bringing water and butter to a vigorous boil before adding flour. Mix until dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from pan sides. Cool exactly 5 minutes before incorporating eggs.
Egg Addition:
Beat in eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation between each addition. Final dough should form glossy ribbons when lifted.
Spreading Method:
Use offset spatula to create uniform 1/4-inch layer, maintaining even thickness for consistent baking.
Filling Preparation:
Begin with properly softened cream cheese, beat until completely smooth before gradually mixing in pudding components.
Setting Time:
Allow 4-6 hours refrigeration for optimal texture development and flavor melding.
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Cream Puff Cake Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Years of pastry experience confirm that patience is essential when preparing choux dough. Rushing the cooling period before adding eggs leads to dense, flat results. Following precise timing creates the characteristic light, airy texture that makes this dessert exceptional.

Presentation Tips

Top with seasonal fresh berries, dust with powdered sugar, or add a drizzle of dark chocolate. Serve alongside espresso or french press coffee for an authentic café experience.

Recipe Variations

Transform with chocolate pudding filling and cocoa-enhanced crust. Add pure almond extract and toasted nuts for elegance. Incorporate citrus zest or layer with fresh fruit for seasonal adaptations.

Storage Guidelines

Keep refrigerated and covered for up to 3 days. Flavors continue developing during first 24 hours. Freeze individual portions up to 1 month, thawing overnight in refrigerator.

This refined dessert combines classic French pastry elements with modern convenience, creating an impressive finale for any special meal. Its perfect balance of textures and make-ahead capability make it an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.

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Easy Cream Puff Cake | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prep this dessert ahead of time?
Totally! This cake actually tastes better after chilling for at least 2 hours. You can even make it a day early, just keep it in the fridge so all the flavors soak in beautifully.
→ Why did my pastry base lose its height?
A bit of shrinking is normal, but drastic collapse might happen if you peak into the oven too soon or don’t bake it long enough. Keep the oven shut for at least the first 20 minutes and bake until the crust is golden and firm.
→ Can homemade whipped cream replace store-bought whipped topping?
Of course! Just whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar until thick and fluffy. It’ll taste richer, though it might not hold its texture as long as store-bought cream.
→ What should I do if the filling ends up too watery?
Ensure you’re using instant pudding mix (don’t grab the cook-and-serve one) with cold milk. Also, blend the cream cheese thoroughly before combining other ingredients. If it’s still runny, let it chill in the fridge for half an hour to thicken up.
→ Can this cream puff cake go in the freezer?
You can freeze it, but the texture might shift a bit as it defrosts. If you decide to freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. The crust might lose its crispiness, but it'll still taste amazing.

Custard Choux Dessert

A no-hassle cake inspired by cream puffs, built on a tender pastry layer with creamy vanilla filling and topped with chocolate for a mouthwatering finish.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Sweet Comfort

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Crust

01 115 g (1/2 cup) of butter, unsalted
02 240 ml (1 cup) of water
03 125 g (1 cup) of regular all-purpose flour
04 4 eggs, large

→ For the Filling

05 225 g (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened properly
06 480 ml (2 cups) of cold milk
07 Two packs (3.4 oz each) of instant vanilla pudding mix
08 240 ml (1 cup) of whipped cream topping (store-bought or homemade)

→ For the Topping

09 120 ml (1/2 cup) of melted chocolate or chocolate syrup
10 Optional: A sprinkle of powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch dish for baking.

Step 02

Put the butter and water together in a saucepan. Heat until it starts boiling. Take it off the stove and stir in the flour right away, mixing until it turns into a dough ball.

Step 03

Let the dough mixture cool for a little bit. Then, mix in the eggs one by one, beating each time until the dough is shiny and smooth.

Step 04

Spread the dough across the greased baking dish evenly. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until it rises and turns golden. Let cool completely.

Step 05

Take the softened cream cheese and beat it in a large bowl until the texture is smooth.

Step 06

While beating, gradually add the pudding mix and milk to the cream cheese. Keep beating until it thickens and turns creamy.

Step 07

Lightly mix in the whipped topping so the filling gets airy.

Step 08

Spread out the creamy filling on the cooled crust.

Step 09

Drizzle melted chocolate or syrup over the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours so it sets properly.

Step 10

Cut into squares and serve chilled. If you’d like, dust the top with some powdered sugar.

Notes

  1. Switch to chocolate pudding mix for a chocolate version.
  2. Keep any extra pieces fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
  3. You can add chopped nuts or shavings of chocolate to give it extra crunch.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking dish (9x13-inch)
  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy ingredients: butter, cream cheese, milk, and whipped topping
  • Includes eggs
  • Gluten is present due to the flour

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 7 g