Apricot Cream Puffs Recipe

Apricot Cream Puffs Recipe 🍑✨

These Apricot Cream Puffs are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines light, airy choux pastry with a creamy apricot filling and whipped cream topping. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just because, these cream puffs are sure to disappear in minutes! With their golden, crisp shells and luscious filling, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Apricot Cream Puffs step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light & Fluffy : The choux pastry creates a delicate, crispy shell that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
2. Sweet & Tangy : The apricot filling adds a fruity twist to balance the richness of the cream.
3. Impressive Dessert : These cream puffs look and taste like they came from a bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
4. Customizable : Swap apricots for other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or berries.
5. Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing treat that’s ideal for parties, holidays, or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 90 g butter 🧈
• 200 g (1 cup) water 💧
• Pinch of sugar
• Pinch of salt 🧂
• 130 g flour 🥣
• 4 eggs , lightly beaten 🥚

For the Apricot Filling:

• 200 g (7 oz) canned apricots , chopped 🍑
• 2 eggs 🥚
• 100 g (3 oz) sugar 🫒
• 60 g (2 oz) cornstarch
• 60 g butter 🧈

For the Whipped Cream:

• 200 g cold cream 🥄
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese 🧀
• Powdered sugar , for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter , water , pinch of sugar , and pinch of salt . Heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour using a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Return the pan to low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dry out the dough slightly.
5. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
6. Gradually add the eggs , one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and fall off the spoon in a “V” shape.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Puffs

1. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1–2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Tip : Dip your finger in water and gently press down any peaks on the piped dough for even baking.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the puffs are golden brown, puffed, and firm to the touch.
3. Remove from the oven and poke a small hole in the side of each puff with a skewer to release steam. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Apricot Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped apricots , eggs , sugar , and cornstarch . Whisk until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy (about 5–7 minutes ).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the filling to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the cold cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add the cream cheese and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Sweeten with powdered sugar to taste if desired.

Step 5: Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Cut the cooled choux puffs in half horizontally.
2. Fill the bottom halves with a generous spoonful of the apricot filling .
3. Top with a dollop of the whipped cream and place the top halves back on.
4. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly whipped cream and high-quality apricots make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Steam Release : Poking holes in the baked puffs ensures they stay crisp and don’t collapse.
3. Make Ahead : Bake the choux pastry and prepare the filling ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to keep the shells crisp.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unfilled baked puffs in an airtight container for up to 1 month . Reheat in the oven to crisp them up before assembling.
5. Experiment with Flavors : Swap apricots for peaches, mangoes, or berries, or add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream.

Perfect Pairings

These Apricot Cream Puffs pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Serve with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of champagne for elegance.
• Dessert Platter : Include these cream puffs as part of a larger spread with cookies, tarts, or fruit platters.

Nutritional Information (Per Cream Puff, Approx.)

(Based on 12 cream puffs)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Apricot Cream Puffs are a sweet, tangy, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special day, or simply craving something sweet, these cream puffs deliver on flavor and presentation. The combination of crispy choux pastry, fruity apricot filling, and creamy whipped cream creates a treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the flavors, adjust the fillings, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your ingredients, whip up that dough, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.