Chocolate Cream Puffs are a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. These treats consist of light and fluffy pastry shells filled with a rich chocolate cream that melts in your mouth. The combination of textures creates an irresistible experience, making them a favorite among dessert lovers. If you’re wondering how to make chocolate cream puffs, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Let’s dive into the world of these decadent chocolate-filled cream puffs!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cream Puffs
There are countless reasons to adore these chocolate cream puffs. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for novice bakers. Second, the recipe yields light and fluffy chocolate cream puffs that are sure to impress your family and friends. Third, the chocolate filling is rich yet balanced, ensuring that every bite is a pleasure. You can also experiment with variations, such as adding fruit or using different types of chocolate. This makes them versatile for any occasion, including birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cream Puffs
Gather these items:
- 5 large Egg Yolks
- 100 g Granulated Sugar
- 50 g Cornflour
- 15 g Cocoa Powder
- 540 ml Whole Milk
- 80 g Dark Chocolate (70%)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 120 ml Water
- 130 g Plain Flour
- 220 g Large Eggs (approx. 4)
- 120 g Unsalted Butter
- 100 ml Double Cream
- 15 g Unsalted Butter
How to Make Chocolate Cream Puffs Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat milk until steaming, whisk yolks and sugar until pale, then whisk in cornflour and cocoa. Temper egg mixture with warm milk, return to heat, add chocolate, stir until thick, strain, mix in butter and vanilla, cool.
- Step 2: Combine water, milk, butter, sugar in a saucepan, boil, then remove heat. Add flour, stir until dough forms a ball, cool for 10 minutes, mix in beaten eggs gradually until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 180°C. Pipe choux dough onto tray, bake until golden brown for 25-30 minutes, pierce to release steam and cool.
- Step 4: Inject chilled pastry cream into cooled choux shells, heat cream for ganache, pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stir until smooth, dip puff tops and refrigerate until set.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cream Puffs
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best consistency.
- Don’t open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
- If your choux pastry is too thick, add a little more water until you achieve a pipeable consistency.
- Make sure to inject the cream only after the pastry shells have fully cooled to avoid melting.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of espresso to the chocolate filling.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cream Puffs
These chocolate pastry puffs are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.
- Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Pair with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cream Puffs
To keep your chocolate cream puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the oven at a low temperature, ensuring they don’t lose their delightful texture. This is especially useful if you plan to make them ahead of time, making chocolate cream puffs a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cream Puffs
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Cream Puffs?
The secret to perfect chocolate cream puffs lies in the choux pastry technique. It’s essential to cook the dough properly before adding the eggs, and the baking process must be controlled to avoid collapsing. Following the recipe closely ensures you achieve that light and airy texture.
Can I make Chocolate Cream Puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry in advance and store the shells in an airtight container. Fill them with chocolate cream just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness, making them perfect for gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Cream Puffs?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the cream puffs with chocolate filling. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough once you’ve added the eggs, as this can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired light and fluffy result.
Variations of Chocolate Cream Puffs You Can Try
Here are some exciting variations to customize your chocolate cream puffs experience:
- Swap the dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter filling.
- Add orange zest or mint extract to the cream for a refreshing twist.
- Try different toppings, like melted caramel or crushed nuts for added texture.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as pastry cream or fruit compote, to create unique flavors.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other delightful dishes, you might enjoy Peruvian Chicken and Rice or Indian Butter Chicken. Don’t forget to explore about us for more insights!
For more information on the science of baking, you can refer to King Arthur Baking’s guide on choux pastry. This will help you understand the techniques better and improve your baking skills.
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Delicious Chocolate Cream Puffs That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 16 puffs
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Chocolate Cream Puffs That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
- 5 large Egg Yolks
- 100 g Granulated Sugar
- 50 g Cornflour
- 15 g Cocoa Powder
- 540 ml Whole Milk
- 80 g Dark Chocolate (70%)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 120 ml Water
- 130 g Plain Flour
- 220 g Large Eggs (approx. 4)
- 120 g Unsalted Butter
- 100 ml Double Cream
- 15 g Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Heat milk until steaming, whisk yolks and sugar until pale, then whisk in cornflour and cocoa. Temper egg mixture with warm milk, return to heat, add chocolate, stir until thick, strain, mix in butter and vanilla, cool.
- Combine water, milk, butter, sugar in a saucepan, boil, then remove heat. Add flour, stir until dough forms a ball, cool for 10 minutes, mix in beaten eggs gradually until smooth and glossy.
- Preheat oven to 180°C. Pipe choux dough onto tray, bake until golden brown for 25-30 minutes, pierce to release steam and cool.
- Inject chilled pastry cream into cooled choux shells, heat cream for ganache, pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stir until smooth, dip puff tops and refrigerate until set.
Notes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


