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Let me share my favorite showstopper dessert - Cream Puff Cake! Imagine the lightest fluffiest cream puffs transformed into a gorgeous layered cake. Every time I make this everyone's eyes light up at that dreamy pastry cream filling and perfectly crispy crust. Best part? It's easier than you'd think!
Why You'll Love This Cake
There's something magical about how this cake combines simple ingredients into something so elegant. That airy crust paired with rich creamy filling gets everyone asking for seconds. I love bringing it to gatherings it always steals the show.
What You'll Need
- Water: Forms our light choux pastry base.
- Butter: Makes everything rich and delicious.
- Salt: Just enough to make flavors pop.
- Flour: Regular or gluten-free both work beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Gives us that perfect lift.
- Eggs: Room temp please makes such a difference.
- Milk: Creates our silky pastry cream.
- Vanilla Paste: That deep lovely flavor.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Makes our filling perfectly thick.
- Whipped Topping: Adds extra lightness.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Cake
- Heat that oven to 425°F line your pans. Boil water and butter stir in flour salt and baking powder until it's just right. Mix in eggs one at a time watch it become silky smooth. Into the pans then bake until golden.
- Create The Filling
- Warm milk with vanilla meanwhile whisk those egg yolks sugar salt and cornstarch. Slowly combine them cook until thick and dreamy. Once chilled fold in that whipped topping pure heaven.
- Put It All Together
- Layer those shells with our gorgeous filling press gently let it chill. A dusting of powdered sugar makes it look like it came from a fancy bakery.
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Make It Your Own
I love playing with different variations. Sometimes I top it with fresh berries other times a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Want something simpler? Jello pudding works beautifully in a pinch. Each version brings its own special something.
My Best Tips
That pastry cream needs to be just right thick enough to coat your spoon. I switch between whipped topping and fresh whipped cream depending on my mood. Keeps perfectly in the fridge for three days though it never lasts that long at my house.
Time To Serve
Serve this beauty nice and chilled makes it extra refreshing. I love it with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea. For parties I cut it in neat squares makes serving so easy everyone gets their perfect piece.
Quick Answers
Regular flour works just as well as gluten free. Your pastry cream is ready when it coats the back of a spoon like velvet. Want it extra rich? Fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping does the trick.
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Why It's Special
This cake just brings people together. That perfect mix of crispy and creamy fancy but not fussy. Whether it's a birthday celebration or just because it never fails to make people smile.
Keep It Fresh
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge good for three days. Skip the freezer though the texture just isn't the same after. Fresh is definitely best with this one.
Plan Ahead
I often make the parts ahead filling and layers ready to go. Just save the assembly for serving day keeps everything perfect. Such a time saver when you're hosting.
Perfect For Any Party
Whether it's a birthday anniversary or just Tuesday this cake makes it special. It has that way of turning any gathering into a celebration. One slice and you'll see why it's become my go-to party dessert.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the pastry cream completely?
- Chilling ensures the pastry cream sets properly and reaches the right consistency before folding in whipped topping.
- → Why temper the eggs?
- Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to hot milk. It ensures a smooth, creamy texture in the final pastry cream.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead. Keep refrigerated until serving for best texture and flavor.
- → Why add eggs one at a time?
- Adding eggs individually ensures each egg is fully incorporated, creating the proper structure for the cream puff dough.
- → Why dust with powdered sugar just before serving?
- Powdered sugar adds a finishing touch but can absorb moisture if added too early. Adding just before serving keeps it looking fresh.