Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs are delightful pastries filled with a rich and creamy vanilla bean custard. These light, airy puffs are perfect for any occasion, from elegant desserts to casual gatherings. Their delicate texture and delicious filling make them a favorite treat!

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

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

For the Vanilla Bean Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)

Timing

Making Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling and chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and cubed butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add Flour and Salt: Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until a smooth dough forms. Return to low heat and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
5. Pipe the Pastry: Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe small mounds (about 1 inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and have puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Cream Filling

1. Heat Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, and the scraped vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Heat over medium heat until just below boiling.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Temper the Egg Mixture: Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and bubbles, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cubed butter until melted and smooth.
5. Cool the Filling: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Fill the Puffs: Once the choux pastry has cooled completely and the custard is chilled, use a small knife or a pastry tip to make a hole in the bottom of each puff. Fill each puff with the vanilla bean cream using a piping bag or a small spoon.
2. Serve: Arrange the filled cream puffs on a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy your delicious Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs (per cream puff, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Puff
Calories	150
Protein	3g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest or using different extracts in the cream filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Fruit Additions: Add fresh berries or fruit compote inside the cream puffs for added flavor and color.

Conclusion

Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs are a classic dessert that combines the lightness of choux pastry with a rich and creamy filling. These elegant treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful recipe!