Discover the magic of Heavenly Italian Cream Puffs with rich custard filling. Made with flour, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, this delightful treat is sure to impress!
Heavenly Italian Cream Puffs: A Custard-Filled Delight to Swoon Over
Italian Cream Puffs, or "Bignè" as they are affectionately known in Italy, are bite-sized pastries filled with luscious, silky custard. These heavenly treats are perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply indulging in a moment of sweet self-care. With a crisp exterior and a creamy center, they are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a quaint Italian piazza. Let’s dive into this detailed recipe to craft these little bites of heaven in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
Add the Flour: Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Cool the Mixture: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. You can use a hand mixer if preferred. The dough should become smooth and glossy and should hold its shape when a spoon is lifted from it.
Pipe the Pastry: Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a spoon to drop the dough onto the sheet.
Bake the Puffs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
Cool Completely: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Custard Filling:
Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
Combine Sugar and Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened.
Add Flour and Salt: Incorporate the flour and salt into the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
Temper the Egg Mixture: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the flour is cooked through.
Flavor with Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Assemble the Cream Puffs:
Fill the Puffs: Once the cream puffs are cool, use a small sharp knife to pierce the bottom or side of each puff, creating a small opening. Fit a pastry bag with a small tip, fill with the chilled custard, and pipe into each puff until filled. Alternatively, you can slice the puffs in half and spoon the custard in.
Dust with Sugar: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Voilà! Your Heavenly Italian Cream Puffs are ready to be savored. Serve them fresh for a delectable dessert experience that will have everyone swooning. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of espresso or as a light, sweet finish to a meal, these cream puffs bring a classic Italian treat straight to your table. Enjoy the rich, creamy contrast of the custard against the airy pastry, and experience a little taste of Italy with every bite! Happy baking and Buon Appetito!