If you're looking for a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, look no further than homemade cream puffs ! These delicate, golden pastries are light as air on the inside and crisp on the outside — filled with rich vanilla pastry cream, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
Despite their elegant appearance, cream puffs are easier to make than you might think , especially with this foolproof recipe. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, a dinner party, or just because you deserve something sweet, these easy cream puffs will become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
What Are Cream Puffs?
Cream puffs (also known as pâte à choux ) are made from a basic dough of butter, water, flour, and eggs. When baked, the moisture in the dough turns to steam, causing the puffs to rise and hollow out in the center — creating the perfect pocket for filling with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream .
They can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with chocolate glaze, or stacked into towering desserts like croquembouche or cream puff towers .
Why You'll Love This Easy Cream Puff Recipe
✅ Simple ingredients – Just butter, flour, eggs, salt, and water
✅ Quick to make – Ready in under an hour
✅ Impressive results – Perfect for entertaining or gifting
✅ Versatile – Fill them with anything from pastry cream to fruit curd
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Freeze unfilled puffs for later use
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Choux Pastry:
