Indulge in the delightful world of French pastries with our irresistible Whipped Mascarpone Cream Puffs! These airy, golden puffs are not just a treat for the eyes but a heavenly experience for your taste buds. Imagine biting into a crisp exterior, only to be met with a luscious, creamy mascarpone filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion—from elegant dinner parties to simple family gatherings—these cream puffs are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this easy yet sophisticated recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- 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 about 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough, which helps create a crisp exterior.
- Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. The dough should become smooth, glossy, and hold its shape when piped.
- Spoon or pipe the dough into 2-inch rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each puff.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffs are golden brown and fully puffed. Do not open the oven during baking to prevent deflation.
- Remove from oven and immediately pierce each puff with a sharp knife to release steam. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the mascarpone cream filling, beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Once puffs are completely cool, carefully slice them horizontally and pipe the whipped mascarpone cream into the center.
- Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Dough Consistency: When mixing the dough, make sure it forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This indicates that the moisture content is just right for creating the perfect puffs.
- Don’t Open the Oven: It’s crucial to resist the temptation to peek at your puffs while they’re baking. Opening the oven door can cause them to deflate, ruining their airy texture.
- Cool Before Filling: Allow the puffs to cool completely before slicing and filling them. This prevents the warm dough from melting the mascarpone cream and ensures a perfect presentation.
- Pipe with Precision: When filling the puffs with mascarpone cream, use a piping bag for a neat and professional look. You can also use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off if you don’t have a piping bag handy.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an elegant finishing touch, dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a beautiful contrast and enhances the sweetness of the mascarpone filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 120mg
