Decadent Chocolate Cream Puffs

Name: Decadent Chocolate Cream Puffs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 12 puffs
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 1 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 4 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 large egg yolks; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces); 100 grams dark chocolate (finely chopped)

120 min 12 puffs Medium

All Recipes

Indulge in these light and airy chocolate cream puffs filled with rich chocolate pastry cream.

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Total

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Chocolate cream puffs are a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of choux pastry with the richness of a chocolate filling. This version of the classic French pastry offers a satisfying twist with its creamy chocolate centre, making it a hit for chocolate lovers. Our recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade treat. The delicate puffs are filled with a luscious chocolate pastry cream, providing a delightful contrast in texture and flavour.

Instructions

Prepare the choux pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a ball, about 2 minutes.

Pro tip: The dough should pull away from the sides of the pan and form a smooth ball.

Cool the dough

Transfer dough to a large bowl. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer for easier mixing.

Pipe and bake the puffs

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 3 cm mounds onto the sheet, spacing 5 cm apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Pro tip: Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent collapse.

Make the chocolate pastry cream

In a medium saucepan, heat milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk hot milk into the egg mixture, then return to the saucepan.

Pro tip: Whisk constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.

Thicken the pastry cream

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, butter, and chocolate until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until cold.

Pro tip: The plastic wrap prevents a skin from forming on the cream.

Assemble the cream puffs

Once the puffs and cream are cool, cut the tops off the puffs and fill with chocolate pastry cream. Replace the tops and dust with icing sugar if desired.

Pro tip: Use a piping bag for neat and even filling.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure the choux pastry dough is smooth and glossy for the perfect puff.
Cool the puffs completely before filling to prevent melting the cream.
Use a piping bag for even and neat filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make chocolate cream puffs?

Chocolate cream puffs are made by baking choux pastry and filling them with a rich chocolate pastry cream.

What is the best filling for cream puffs?

The best filling for cream puffs is a smooth and rich pastry cream, like this chocolate version.

Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the puffs ahead and store them unfilled in an airtight container for up to two days.

How do you store chocolate cream puffs?

Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to two days. Fill them just before serving to keep them crisp.

What is the calorie count for a chocolate cream puff?

Each chocolate cream puff contains approximately 180 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chocolate cream puffs with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. These puffs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain their crispness, fill them just before serving.

Nutrition per serving

180

Calories

Protein

Fat

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