Indulge your senses with the delightful elegance of Lemon Cream Puffs with Fresh Fruit! These airy, golden pastries are not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor that will leave your guests begging for more. Imagine biting into a light and fluffy cream puff, filled with luscious lemon cream and topped with vibrant, fresh fruit. Perfect for any occasion, these French-inspired treats are surprisingly simple to make and are sure to elevate your dessert game. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit (berries, sliced kiwi, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is completely melted and the mixture begins to boil.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 12 equal-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed up and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this may cause them to deflate.
- Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cream puffs are cooling, prepare the lemon cream filling. In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the whipped cream, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture is well combined.
- Carefully cut the tops off the cooled cream puffs and fill them with the lemon cream mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Top the filled cream puffs with your choice of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced kiwi, for a colorful and delicious garnish.
- Replace the tops of the cream puffs and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before serving.
- Enjoy your Lemon Cream Puffs with Fresh Fruit as a delightful dessert that is sure to impress!
Tips
- Perfect Puffing: To achieve perfectly puffed cream puffs, avoid opening the oven door while they bake. The steam is essential for creating that airy texture!
- Chill Your Tools: For an even fluffier lemon cream filling, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator before whipping the cream.
- Egg Temperature: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the dough. This helps create a smoother mixture.
- Piping Precision: When piping the dough onto the baking sheet, use a steady hand and keep the piping bag perpendicular to the sheet for even mounds.
- Fruit Selection: Feel free to mix and match your favorite fresh fruits! Berries, kiwi, or even citrus slices can add a refreshing twist to your cream puffs.
- Dusting Delight: For a final touch, dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving to add a charming, sweet finish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream puffs in advance and fill them just before serving for a fresh and delightful dessert experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 145mg
