A Nostalgic Dessert That Never Fails
I have to start this recipe with a little gratitude 💛—because dishes like this are pure nostalgia. Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a dessert I grew up watching come together in our kitchen, usually when we needed something that felt special but didn’t take all day. I honestly didn’t think they could be improved… and yet, one small tweak somehow made them even better.
Light, airy pastry shells filled with a creamy, dreamy vanilla filling and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar—these cream puffs are elegant, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly simple. When you need a dessert that looks impressive without the stress, this is the one.
Recipe Overview
These classic cream puffs are made with a simple choux-style dough (the same base used for éclairs), baked until golden and hollow, then filled with Mom’s famous no-fail vanilla cream filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, airy, and creamy all at once
- Makes about 16 cream puffs—perfect for a crowd
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for holidays, showers, and celebrations
- Make-ahead friendly
What Do Cream Puffs Taste Like?
Delicate pastry with a lightly crisp shell and a soft, airy center, filled with a smooth vanilla cream that’s rich but not overly sweet. Bakery-quality flavor—with homemade love in every bite.
Ingredients
Cream Puff Dough
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Mom’s Famous Filling
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- â…“ cup milk
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Parchment-lined baking sheets
- Knife or piping bag
Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
- Flavor boost: Add almond extract or lemon zest to the filling
- Chocolate version: Use chocolate pudding mix
- Topping: Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of powdered sugar
- Alternative fillings: Pastry cream or sweetened whipped cream
How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, bring butter, water, and vanilla to a rolling boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow shells to cool completely.
- Slice each puff in half horizontally (or poke a hole for piping).
- Fill with Mom’s famous filling and dust with powdered sugar.
How to Make Mom’s Famous Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk.
- Beat until thick, fluffy, and smooth—similar to whipped cream.
- Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to fill.
Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
- Do not open the oven while baking—they need steady heat to puff
- Let shells cool fully before filling
- If shells soften, reheat in the oven for a few minutes
- Fill just before serving for best texture
Storage Instructions
- Unfilled shells: Store at room temperature for up to 1 day
- Filled cream puffs: Refrigerate and enjoy within 24 hours
- Filling: Can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: Classic American / French-inspired
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 16 cream puffs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my cream puffs puff up?
The oven temperature may have been too low, or the dough too wet.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—bake the shells ahead and fill just before serving.
Can cream puffs be frozen?
Unfilled shells freeze well. Thaw and crisp in the oven before filling.
Can I pipe the filling instead of slicing?
Absolutely—poke a small hole in the bottom and pipe the filling inside.
Final Thoughts
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Light, creamy, nostalgic, and always a hit, this recipe is perfect when you want a dessert that feels homemade and impressive—without the stress.
