Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Salted Caramel Cream Puffs, a delightful French pastry that promises to elevate your dessert game! Imagine biting into a golden, airy puff, only to discover a luscious caramel-infused cream that dances on your palate, perfectly complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these cream puffs are sure to impress. Ready to learn how to create this decadent treat that will leave everyone begging for more? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 cream puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and unsalted butter. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour all at once. Vigorously mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough, which helps create a crisp exterior.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or pipe the dough into 12 equal-sized mounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven during baking to prevent deflation.
- Remove from oven and immediately pierce each puff with a knife to release steam. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in half of the caramel sauce.
- Once cooled, slice the cream puffs horizontally and fill with the caramel cream using a piping bag.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the filled cream puffs and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Perfect Your Pâte à Choux: Ensure your butter is fully melted before adding the flour, and mix vigorously to create a smooth dough. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect puff!
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Avoid opening the oven door while baking; this can cause your cream puffs to deflate. Use the oven light to check on them instead!
- Cool Before Filling: Allow your cream puffs to cool completely before slicing and filling them. This prevents the cream from melting and ensures a delightful texture.
- Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: For the best filling, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give your caramel cream a rich and fluffy consistency.
- Drizzle and Sprinkle: Don't skimp on the caramel sauce and sea salt! A generous drizzle and a light sprinkle will enhance the flavor and presentation of your cream puffs.
- Chill for Best Results: If possible, chill the filled cream puffs for up to 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 229kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
