Introduction:
A practice cake for me, the Fluffy Cream Puff, brings together two textures and flavors that are hard to find: the lightness and sweetness of a cream puff jacket and the heaviness and creaminess of a filling. This cake is neither difficult to prepare nor one that fails to create a wow factor amongst those you are entertaining. It becomes another matter when we are speaking of taste. It is going to taste good whether it is adorned as a centerpiece on the dining table or it is simply comforting while watching a favorite show on your couch.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry: 1 cup water ½ cup unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 large eggs A pinch of salt
For the Filling: 2 cups milk 1 packet (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix 1 cup heavy whipping cream ¼ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
For the Pastry:
Fan of elegant cakes, this takes the cake to new heights, literally and figuratively. What makes my mouth water the most about this cake is how light and air fluffy it looks. Line a round cake pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 200° C (400° F).
In a saucepan, combine and bring the salt, water and butter to a boil.
Lower the heat and add the entire portion of the flour simultaneously and keep stirring until it forms a ball.
Make sure the dough fits into the pan and then place it in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until it is a golden brown color. Allow it to cool down entirely.
For the filling:
In a bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix with vanilla flavoring till the mixture thickens.
In another bowl, combine heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract which needs to be whisked until stiff peaks appear.
Whipped cream should be gently folded into the pudding mixture.
Assembly:
Cut the pastry layer into two horizontally from the middle.
The filling should be generously placed on the bottom pastry layer and the top one used to cover it.
This should be followed by a dust of powdered sugar just before serving the dish.
Hints for success:
Make sure the pastry dough is left to cool slightly before incorporating eggs into them. This is to prevent scrambling of the eggs.
Make sure the cream has been whipped to the proper consistency, firm but not overdone. This is to avoid making the filling chunky.
When cutting the pastry, always opt for serrated knives for cleaner, edged cuts.
Health benefits:
Minerals found within the milk and its products makes this dessert rich in calcium.
Compared with other thick pastries, its light airy structure makes it less heavy.
(Note: Since this is a rich dessert type, avoid being excessive in its consumption.)
Nutritional information (Per serving approximately one slice):
Calories: 240
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Variations and substitutions:
Chocolate lovers: include cocoa powder within the stuffing for edible chocolate flavor.
Fruits infusion: place berries or fruit bananas, which have been sliced, between the two layers to improve overall taste.
Dairy free: any dairy free milk and cream may be used as a substitute.
Questions and Answers (QA):
Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the cake and assemble it a day before it is needed. Refrigerate until serving time.
What happens if my pastry does not puff properly?
Preheat the oven and do not peak outside once the pastry dough is in the oven.
Can I take the lazy route and use pre-rolled puff pastry?
This is not customary, but for convenience purposes, puff pastry sheets can be used.
Conclusions:
This Fluffy Cream Puff Cake presents a beautiful combination of common ingredients and great flavor. This recipe is easy enough for any level of experience to try, and sure to impress. Make the most of each and every fluffy and creamy mouthful and feel free to hand it around to your friends and family!
