Introduction
These cream-filled choux buns are a classic pastry loved for their light, airy shells and rich, smooth cream filling. With a delicate crisp exterior and a soft, creamy center, they are perfect for dessert, tea time, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cream filling
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For topping (optional)
• Powdered sugar
Instructions
• Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Prepare all ingredients before starting for smooth workflow.
How to Make
• In a saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil.
• Add flour all at once and stir quickly until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
• Pipe or spoon small rounds onto the baking tray.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven early.
• For the cream, heat milk in a saucepan until warm.
• Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
• Slowly add warm milk while whisking, then return to heat.
• Cook until thick, remove from heat, add butter and vanilla.
• Let cream cool completely.
• Slice buns horizontally and pipe or spoon cream inside.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations
• Chocolate cream filling using melted dark chocolate.
• Coffee-flavored cream with instant espresso.
• Strawberry or raspberry cream with fruit purée.
• Savory version filled with cheese or chicken cream.
Tips
• Use room-temperature eggs for better dough texture.
• Do not overmix after adding eggs.
• Let pastry cool slightly before filling to prevent melting the cream.
• Store filled buns in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Cream-filled choux buns are an elegant yet simple dessert that combines light pastry with rich cream. With a few basic ingredients and careful technique, you can create bakery-quality treats at home that everyone will love.
