There I was, racing around the kitchen, dinner simmering away in the slow cooker while my kids were engaged in a delightful wrestling match on the living room floor. The smell of something absolutely divine filled the air, mostly a glorious, buttery aroma wafting from my oven. I glanced at the clock, realizing I had promised homemade Italian cream puffs with custard filling for dessert, a charming family tradition for St. Joseph’s Day. With just a few more minutes to spare, I had to remind myself, “Keep calm and be determined. That slow cooker is doing all the hard work.”
Why Make This Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
There’s something about Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling that wraps you in a warm hug. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a slice of my family’s history, simmering with stories, love, and a hint of chaos. When my grandmother would whip up these delightful puffs, the whole family gathered around, waiting for that first bite of fluffy pastry and creamy custard.
The recipe itself has found its way into generations of celebrations. Sure, we enjoy Italian Cream Puffs on St. Joseph’s Day, but honestly, they make a grand appearance at any family gathering or comforting weeknight dinner especially when served alongside cozy treats like Soft Vanilla Cake for the ultimate dessert spread.
And, oh boy, can they bring a sprinkle of joy during dull weeks. After a long day of running errands, shuffling the kids, and facing the challenges of life, the thought of a comforting dessert like these cream puffs makes everything feel a little brighter. Plus, using a slow cooker prevents me from turning into a frazzled puppet on strings.
The Heart (and Humor) Behind This Recipe
Ah, the charm of home cooking. Some days, it feels like a war zone where flour flies and pots clank, and other days, it’s a serene gathering of happy faces around the table, savoring the fruits of our labor. These Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling embody that spirited joy that lingers long after the laughter fades.
You see, there’s a rich story behind each puff. My grandmother’s secret was a touch of love mixed with a healthy dose of humor. I think back to the times she’d explain why you should never rush the custard. “Sweetheart, you can’t shortcut the good stuff in life. Let it simmer, and don’t panic if it looks a bit thin at first,” she’d chuckle, stirring the pot slowly.
This recipe is like a family member that’s always there, a perfect source of comfort alongside favorite meals. There’s nothing fancy about it; just good ingredients and lots of willingness to make a lovely mess. Isn’t that what comfort food is all about?
How to Make Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling Without Losing Your Mind
“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”
Making these Italian cream puffs may seem like a grand endeavor, but trust me, it’s manageable even on the busiest days the same kind of comfort-baking ease as whipping up Cinnamon Roll Cookies or other sweet classics.
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Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Italian cream puffs filled with a smooth custard, perfect for St. Joseph’s Day and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 cups water
- 9½ tbsp butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp rum
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter, stirring until melted.
- Add salt, baking soda, and flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
- Once cooled, beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated.
- Pipe the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making small mounds.
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt for the custard.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly over medium heat.
- Cook, continually stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, butter, and rum.
- Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool.
- Once the cream puffs are golden brown and cool, cut them in half with a serrated knife.
- Fill each half with the custard filling using a piping bag or a spoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
These cream puffs can be made ahead. Refrigerate filled cream puffs in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Gathering the Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this pastry delight:
- 2¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
This flour forms the base of the cream puff dough. It provides the necessary structure for the pastry while allowing it to puff up as it bakes. - ⅛ tsp salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps balance the sweetness of the custard filling. - ½ tsp baking soda
This helps the dough rise and puff as it bakes, giving the cream puffs their signature light and airy texture. - 2 cups water
The water helps form the dough when combined with the flour and butter. - 9½ tbsp butter
Butter adds richness to the dough and helps create the tender, flaky texture of the pastry. - 6 large eggs
Eggs are crucial for both structure and moisture in the dough, helping it puff and hold its shape when baked. - 1 cup sugar
The sugar sweetens the custard and balances the richness of the milk and butter. - ½ cup flour
Flour thickens the custard, helping it reach the right consistency to pipe into the pastries. - ¼ tsp salt
A small amount of salt in the custard enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors. - 3 cups whole milk
Whole milk provides the creamy base for the custard, contributing to its smooth and velvety texture. - 4 egg yolks
Egg yolks enrich the custard, adding depth of flavor and helping it thicken. - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Butter adds richness to the custard, making it smooth and luscious. - 1½ tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the custard. - 1 tbsp rum
The rum adds a subtle depth to the custard, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it.
If you accidentally buy salted butter, no judgment here; it still works! Home cooking is all about being flexible and creative.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Making the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter, stirring until melted.
- Add salt, baking soda, and flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
- Once cooled, beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated.
- Pipe the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making small mounds.
2. Preparing the Custard
- In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt for the custard.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly over medium heat.
- Cook, continually stirring until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, butter, and rum.
- Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool.
3. Assembling the Cream Puffs
- Once the cream puffs are golden brown and cool, cut them in half with a serrated knife.
- Fill each half with luscious custard filling using a piping bag or a spoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
There you have it, my fellow kitchen warriors! Don’t panic if it looks too thin at first; it thickens later.
Bringing Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling to the Table
Oh, the moment you take the final batch of cream puffs out of the oven is nothing short of sheer bliss. Picture this: the golden-brown puffs resting on a cooling rack sending heavenly scents wafting through your home, like a cozy hug.
When the table is set, and those cream puffs are boxy and inviting beside other comforting delights like Raspberry Brownie Cheesecake, it’s almost too much to bear. Picture eager hands each reaching for their favorite half.
Pair these little treasures with a warm cup of coffee or a good hot chocolate, because what better combination exists than comfort food and a good drink?
Saving Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling for Tomorrow
Leftovers? Here’s where you embrace your inner kitchen scientist. You can absolutely store these for the next day!
Simply refrigerate the filled cream puffs in an airtight container. They’ll last for a day or two. If you are like me and want that fresh-baked taste, pop them into the oven at a low temperature just to warm them slightly before serving.
Having a cozy dessert waiting for you the next day almost makes the chaos seem worth it, doesn’t it? And if you want a second sweet treat for later, try pairing them with Cannoli Cookies the Italian bakery duo that never disappoints.
Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips
- Accidental Flavors: I once made these with leftover vanilla extract from a baking marathon; add a dash of almond extract for a different twist that turned out surprisingly lovely.
- Prep Ahead: If your days are a circus, make the custard a day in advance. Let it chill so that it’s all set up for filling those puffs when you need it.
- One-Stop Puffs: Play around with seasonal flavors, like pumpkin puree in the custard during fall, for a festive twist that everyone will love.
- Come Together: If you have little hands at home, involve them in the assembly process swapping kitchen chaos for a fun bonding activity. You’ll get messy, but who cares?
- A Time-Saver: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized mounds of dough! It cuts down on the fuss and guarantees more uniform baking.
Family Twists on Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
Growing up, my neighbor’s version of these was drizzled with a chocolate icing that would make you swoon. It was her way of taking the classic and adding that little extra flair.
Sometimes, I like to sprinkle in a bit of lemon zest to the custard for a light, fresh touch similar to the flavor brightness in Italian Cannoli Cake a citrus twist that makes every bite pop! If you love citrus flavors, do not miss out. A good friend of mine swears by using instant pudding as a filling with a bit of added cream to adjust the texture truly, an experimental delight that saves time.
Years ago, my crazy cousin tried adding spicy cayenne to the puffs, claiming it would ‘wake up our taste buds.’ Let’s just say they were not a hit at family gatherings, but the memory sure brings a good laugh.
FAQs About Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was delayed.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving to recreate that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
What else can I fill these with?
You can experiment with whipped cream, fruit fillings or even store-bought pudding.
A Final Thought
As I sit back and contemplate the delightful chaos of the kitchen, those Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling remind me of what it means to create warmth, laughter, and connection in our home. They are proof that even on busy days, the simplest treats can create the sweetest memories. So, take a moment, slow down, and remember that home isn’t just where we gather; it’s where we laugh, love, and share our most scrumptious stories.
Getting your hands a little messy, sharing giggles, and finding joy in these homemade moments is what brings life back to the everyday hustle. Until the next slow day, may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet scent of love and homemade goodness.
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