Cream Puffs with Mom’s Celebrated Filling

Cream Puffs with Mom’s Celebrated Filling (Light, Airy & Classic)

These homemade cream puffs are a timeless dessert featuring delicate, airy pastry shells filled with a rich, fluffy vanilla cream inspired by Mom’s celebrated recipe. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, this old-fashioned treat delivers the perfect balance of texture and sweetness.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, family dinner, bridal shower, or Sunday dessert table, these classic cream puffs always feel special — yet they’re surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Puff Recipe

• ✨ Light and airy pastry shells

• 🍦 Creamy, fluffy vanilla filling

• 💛 A nostalgic, old-fashioned dessert

• 🎉 Perfect for holidays, parties, and family gatherings

• 🥄 Made with simple pantry ingredients

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Cool Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cream Puffs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

For Mom’s Celebrated Filling

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1/3 cup milk

How to Make Homemade Cream Puffs

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the choux pastry
   In a saucepan, heat the butter and water until melted and boiling. Reduce heat and stir in the flour. Continue stirring until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

3. Cool slightly
   Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.

4. Add eggs and vanilla
   Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and glossy.

5. Shape and bake
   Spoon or pipe dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until puffed, golden, and crisp. Do not open the oven door during baking.
   Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Make Mom’s Celebrated Filling

In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, instant pudding mix, and milk until thick, fluffy, and stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble the Cream Puffs

Slice each cooled cream puff in half. Generously fill with the creamy vanilla filling and replace the tops. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs

• Make sure the shells are fully cool before filling

• For extra stability, poke a small hole in the bottom and pipe filling inside

• Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator

• Serve the same day for the best texture

These classic homemade cream puffs are light, nostalgic, and irresistibly creamy — a dessert that never goes out of style and always brings back sweet memories.