Profiteroles are small, round pastry puffs that are often filled with whipped cream or ice cream. They can be served as a dessert or appetizer, and are a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. This recipe is for the classic cream-filled profiteroles, but feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) butter
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bring water, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and butter to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low; stir constantly until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until dough is smooth.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Cut a small hole in the side of each puff; let cool.
- Beat whipping cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and vanilla together in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon into puffs. Serve immediately.
Potential changes & improvements
There are endless possibilities for changes and improvements to this recipe. Try different fillings, such as chocolate ganache, fruit compote, or custard. Top with chocolate sauce, caramel, or whipped cream. Or, for a savory version, fill with chicken or shrimp salad.
What other food it works well with
Profiteroles are typically served as a dessert, but can also be served as an appetizer or side dish. They go well with fruit, chocolate, and cream sauces.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is to overcook the pastry puffs. They should be golden brown, but not too dark. Another mistake is to not let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs, which can cause the eggs to cook in the dough.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is high in fat and calories. Each profiterole contains about 200 calories and 10 grams of fat.
Allergens
This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat. It may also contain traces of nuts, soy, and other allergens.