Raspberry Cream Puffs Recipe

Light, airy, and bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of raspberries, these Raspberry Cream Puffs are a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crisp choux pastry shell, luscious whipped cream filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to make. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure success.

If you’re ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a decadent dessert, let’s dive in! Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for easy reference: Cooking with Callie Pinterest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never made choux pastry before, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow.
• Elegant and Impressive: These cream puffs look like they came straight from a bakery and are sure to wow your guests.
• Customizable: Swap the raspberries for other fruits or try flavored whipped cream for a unique twist.

Taste & Texture

• Taste: Sweet whipped cream and tart raspberries combine beautifully with the buttery, crisp pastry shell.
• Texture: A perfect balance of crispy, airy pastry and soft, cloud-like cream filling.

Dietary Attributes

• Can be made gluten-free with flour substitutions.
• Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for other dietary needs.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

For the Glaze:

• 1 large egg

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (35-40% butterfat)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1.5 tsp granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 pint fresh raspberries
• Icing sugar for garnish

Notes on Quality

• Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor, but thawed frozen berries work in a pinch.
• Choose a high-fat heavy cream for a luxurious whipped filling.
• Always use unsalted butter to control the salt level.

Possible Substitutions

• Fresh raspberries can be replaced with strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry compote.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can replace all-purpose flour for gluten-sensitive diets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring butter and water to a boil, ensuring the butter melts completely before the water boils.
4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour mixture all at once. Mix vigorously until fully combined.
5. Return the saucepan to the stove and stir constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Transfer the dough to a mixer and beat on low speed for about 1 minute to release steam.
7. Gradually add the eggs, mixing until the dough becomes a smooth, thick paste.
8. Spoon or pipe 12 mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes until golden brown and dry inside.
10. Turn off the oven, poke holes in each puff with a toothpick, and leave the door slightly ajar to cool completely.

Whipped Cream

1. Chill a mixing bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2. In the chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar.
3. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the fresh raspberries gently.

Assembly

1. Split each choux pastry shell in half.
2. Fill each shell generously with the raspberry whipped cream.
3. Place the top half of the pastry back on and dust with powdered sugar.
4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent baking temperatures.
• Stir the dough with a wooden spoon for better control when cooking.

Common Mistakes

• Avoid underbaking the pastry; ensure the shells are dry inside to prevent sogginess.
• Resist opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.

Time-Saving Tips

• The choux pastry can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Whip the cream just before serving for optimal freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

These cream puffs pair wonderfully with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a side of fresh fruit. For more indulgent ideas, try Chocolate Covered Pretzels or Chocolate Fondue with Fruit.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cream puffs on a decorative plate, and sprinkle them with edible gold dust for a festive touch.

Beverage Pairings

Serve with a glass of sparkling wine, a cappuccino, or a cup of hot tea for the perfect pairing.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store cream puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating Methods

To re-crisp the pastry, warm the shells in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-8 minutes before filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

• Can I use frozen raspberries? Yes, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
• How do I make this gluten-free? Substitute the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Troubleshooting

• Why are my puffs deflated? Ensure you fully bake the shells and allow them to cool slowly with the oven door ajar.
• My filling is too runny. What went wrong? Over-whipping the cream can lead to a curdled texture; stop as soon as stiff peaks form.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free butter.

Flavor Twists

Add lemon zest or almond extract to the whipped cream for a unique flavor profile.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

Top with red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel-colored sugar for Easter.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Cream Puffs are an irresistible combination of flavor and texture, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat yourself. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below or share your photos on social media.

For more sweet inspiration, check out Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and other delicious treats on Cooking with Callie Pinterest. Happy baking!

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