Vanilla Pudding Choux Cups are delightful pastry cups filled with creamy vanilla pudding, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. These elegant desserts are perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat at home!

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Pudding:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Topping:

• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Fresh fruit (such as berries or sliced bananas)

Timing

Making Vanilla Pudding Choux Cups takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking and chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Heat Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Add Eggs: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Choux Cups

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pipe Choux Cups: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to pipe small circles (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the baking sheet. Create a small well in the center of each circle.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking. Once done, turn off the oven and let the choux cups cool inside for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. Cook Pudding: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
4. Chill: Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin), and refrigerate until chilled.

Step 4: Assemble the Choux Cups

1. Fill Choux Cups: Once the choux cups are cool and the pudding is chilled, carefully cut a small hole in the bottom of each choux cup. Use a piping bag to fill each cup with the vanilla pudding.
2. Top with Whipped Cream: Pipe or dollop whipped cream on top of each filled choux cup.
3. Garnish: Add fresh fruit on top of the whipped cream for decoration.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy these delightful vanilla pudding choux cups!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla Pudding Choux Cups (per cup, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Choux Cup
Calories	150
Protein	3g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Pudding: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a chocolate version.
• Decorations: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Vanilla Pudding Choux Cups are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the lightness of choux pastry with creamy vanilla pudding. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy this delightful recipe!