Description
Chocolate-Covered Cream Puffs
Add a touch of honey sweetness to your cream puffs! A delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups honey whipped cream
1 cup milk chocolate, melted
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare and bake the pastry.
Whip cream with 2 tbsp honey until fluffy. Fill puffs with the honey cream.
Dip tops in melted milk chocolate and let set.
Honey or sugar—what’s your go-to sweetener? Comment below!
#HoneyCreamPuffs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Choux Pastry: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes). Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate Eggs: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, thick, and glossy.
3. Bake: Pipe or spoon 1.5-inch mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and crisp. DO NOT open the oven door early. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Fill: Once cool, slice the top third off each puff. Pipe the honey whipped cream into the base, then replace the top.
5. Chocolate Dip: Gently dip the top of each filled puff into the melted milk chocolate. Place on parchment paper to set for at least 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cream puffs immediately for the best texture. For a beautiful dessert platter, drizzle with extra honey or a sprinkle of sea salt. They pair wonderfully with fresh berries, a cup of strong coffee, or a glass of dessert wine. For a party, create a DIY cream puff bar with different fillings and dipping chocolates.
How-to Summary
Create a choux pastry dough by boiling water and butter, then mixing in flour. Beat in eggs until glossy. Pipe and bake until golden and hollow. Cool completely, fill with honey-sweetened whipped cream, and dip the tops in melted milk chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the unfilled puffs 1 day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before filling.
Why did my cream puffs collapse? This is usually due to opening the oven door too early during baking, which lets steam escape before the structure sets. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid opening it for the first 20 minutes.
Can I use dark chocolate instead? Absolutely. Dark chocolate provides a lovely contrast to the sweet honey cream. Simply melt it the same way as the milk chocolate.
How do I store leftover filled cream puffs? Store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The shells will soften slightly over time.
My dough was too runny. What happened? The dough likely didn’t cook long enough in the saucepan. Cook the flour-butter-water mixture until it forms a cohesive ball that leaves a film on the pan bottom. Let it cool slightly before adding eggs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding eggs to hot dough, which can cook them. Let the flour mixture cool for 5 minutes first.
- Under-baking the pastry, leading to soggy, collapsed puffs. They must be deeply golden and sound hollow when tapped.
- Filling warm puffs, which will melt the cream. Ensure they are completely cooled.
- Over-whipping the cream, which can make it grainy and buttery. Stop when you have firm peaks.
- Using chocolate that is too hot for dipping, which can melt the filling. Let it cool slightly to a lukewarm, coating consistency.
Conclusion
These Chocolate-Covered Cream Puffs with honey whipped cream are an elegant yet approachable dessert that combines crisp pastry, light filling, and rich chocolate. Mastering the choux pastry technique opens the door to countless other creations. The subtle floral note of honey truly elevates this classic, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. We’d love to hear—honey or sugar—what’s your go-to sweetener? Comment below!
