Heavenly Cream Puff Cake Recipe: Fluffy Magic in Every Bite

Cream puff cake converts ordinary dessert expectations into a delightful culinary adventure.

This elegant pastry blends delicate textures with rich, creamy sensations that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the delectable treat combines classic French patisserie techniques with modern baking creativity.

Layers of airy pastry intertwine with smooth, velvety filling to create a sensational experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Light and decadent, cream puff cake represents the perfect balance between indulgence and sophisticated culinary craftsmanship.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike find this dessert both challenging and rewarding to prepare.

Each slice promises a symphony of flavors that elevates any special occasion or casual gathering.

Instructions to Assemble a Cream Puff Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and get ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a rolling boil. Add flour and reduce heat to low. Stir constantly until the mixture forms a smooth ball. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Eggs to the Mixture

Beat eggs into the dough, one at a time, until the mixture becomes silky and well-combined.

Step 4: Spread and Bake the Base

• Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown
• Let the base cool completely

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Milk
• Pudding mix

Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled pastry base.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

• Top the cake with whipped cream
• Drizzle chocolate syrup over the surface

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake until you’re ready to serve and enjoy your delicious dessert.

Tips for Achieving a Cloud-Like Texture

• Maintain Precise Temperature: Watch your oven carefully to ensure it stays at 400°F for perfect puffing and golden color.
• Smooth Dough Technique: Mix flour and butter vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free base that ensures even rising.
• Egg Incorporation Method: Add eggs gradually and beat thoroughly between each addition to create a silky, stable pastry base.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pastry to cool completely before adding cream cheese layer to prevent soggy texture.
• Chilling Enhances Flavor: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld and set properly.

How to Store Cream Puff Cake Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the cream puff cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating, which can make the pastry soggy. For best texture, enjoy cold or at room temperature, as the whipped topping and cream cheese layer are delicate.

Pair This Cake with These Sweet Companions

• Discover Rich Coffee Companions: Pair this decadent cream puff cake with a strong espresso or cappuccino to balance its sweet, creamy texture. Dark roast coffee cuts through the richness and enhances the chocolate drizzle's depth.
• Elevate with Sweet Wine Notes: Serve alongside a chilled moscato or sweet riesling. These light, fruity wines complement the dessert's creamy profile and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese layer.
• Match with Creamy Liqueur Delight: Enjoy a small glass of baileys irish cream or amaretto alongside your slice. These smooth liqueurs echo the cake's luxurious texture and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor.
• Fresh Fruit Accent: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds a vibrant, colorful dimension to the dessert plate.

Ways to Customize Your Cream Puff Cake

• Chocolate Dream Cake: Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding mix for an intense chocolate experience. Add cocoa powder to the cream cheese layer for deeper flavor. Garnish with chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate cookies.
• Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap milk with coconut milk in cream cheese mixture. Add diced pineapple or mango between cream cheese and whipped topping layers. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra crunch.
• Berry Bliss Cake: Mix fresh raspberries or strawberries into the cream cheese layer. Create a berry compote to drizzle over the whipped topping. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
• Caramel Nutty Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of chocolate syrup. Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the whipped topping. Add a hint of cinnamon to the cream cheese layer for warmth and depth.

Cream Puff Cake That’s Light, Sweet, and Irresistible

• Indulge in Effortless Elegance: This cream puff cake transforms complex pastry techniques into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks like you've trained in a French bakery.
• Textural Paradise: Experience a delightful contrast between the crispy, golden puff pastry base and the silky smooth cream cheese filling, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Wow: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that impresses guests without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy home bakers or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients for Your Cream Puff Cake Masterpiece

• Water: Essential liquid for creating the puff pastry base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky texture.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the pastry ingredients.
• Eggs: Adds structure, richness, and helps the pastry rise.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Pudding Mix: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the filling.

• Whipped Topping: Adds a light, creamy layer to the dessert.
• Chocolate Syrup: Provides a rich, sweet drizzle for extra flavor.

Cream Puff Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cream Puff Cake brings French patisserie magic to home kitchens with delicate choux pastry layers and silky vanilla custard. Creamy, light, and elegantly structured, this dessert promises a luxurious experience that transports you to Parisian bakery bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 ½ cups cold milk
• 12 ounces (340 grams) whipped topping

Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 (3.4 ounces or 96 grams) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• ¼ cup chocolate syrup

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan by lightly greasing its surface.
2. Combine water and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring continuously.
3. Add all-purpose flour to the boiling liquid, immediately reducing the heat to low, and stir vigorously until the ingredients form a cohesive, smooth dough ball.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate eggs into the dough one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform, glossy texture.
6. Spread the prepared dough evenly across the greased baking pan, creating a consistent layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and puffy appearance.
8. Allow the pastry base to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
9. In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, whole milk, and instant vanilla pudding mix until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pastry base, ensuring an even distribution.
11. Top the cream layer with prepared whipped topping, creating a light and airy surface.
12. Drizzle chocolate syrup in an artistic pattern across the whipped topping.
13. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and set properly.

Notes

• Quick and easy dessert that transforms classic cream puff pastry into a delightful cake-style treat.
• Requires basic pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills to create an impressive and delicious dessert.
• Involves two-step process: first creating a unique pastry base, then layering with creamy cheese filling.
• Best served chilled, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for gatherings or special occasions.
• Chocolate syrup drizzle adds an elegant finishing touch and extra indulgence to the dessert.
• Stores well in refrigerator for 2-3 days, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg