Cream Puff Cake (Light, Creamy & Irresistible)

This Cream Puff Cake brings together the airy, tender texture of choux-style pastry with a rich, creamy filling and light whipped topping — a dessert that feels elegant yet is surprisingly easy. It’s perfect for celebrations, family dinners, or whenever you crave something indulgent but not heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, airy pastry base reminiscent of cream puffs — but in cake form
• Creamy, smooth filling balanced by a fluffy whipped topping
• Great texture contrast: soft pastry + creamy center + airy cream
• Easy to make and assemble — ideal for gatherings or dessert trays
• Can be customized with chocolate drizzle, fruit, nuts, or extra toppings

Ingredients

Base (Choux-style pastry base)

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• Pinch of salt (optional — depending on desired flavor)

Creamy Filling

• 8 oz (≈ 225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 packages vanilla pudding mix (or as appropriate)
• ~3 cups (about 720–750 ml) cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• About 1½–2 cups heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping), whipped until soft peaks
• Optional: powdered sugar or a bit of sugar to sweeten cream
• Optional: chocolate syrup or melted chocolate — for drizzling or decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Base
   Preheat oven to 200 °C (≈ 400 °F). Grease a rectangular or 9×13-inch baking pan.
   In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat, then add the flour (and salt if using) all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan.
2. Add Eggs
   Let the dough cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time — mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
3. Bake the Base
   Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan (use a spatula for smoothness). Bake until the base is puffed, set, and lightly golden. Then let it cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Filling
   In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   In a separate bowl, mix cold milk with vanilla pudding mix and vanilla extract until combined and slightly thickened.
   Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake
   Pour the cream-cheese + pudding filling over the cooled pastry base, spreading evenly.
   Chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours (or until filling is set).
6. Add Topping
   Once chilled, spread or pipe the whipped cream (sweetened if desired) over the filling layer.
   Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate if you like.
7. Serve & Enjoy
   Slice into squares and serve chilled. For a crisp cut, you can chill a bit more before slicing.

You Must Know

• Let the pastry base cool completely before adding filling — otherwise, the filling may melt or become runny.
• Chill sufficiently after layering filling — filling needs time to set firmly.
• Use cold milk for pudding mix so it sets properly.
• Whipped cream topping adds a light finish — don’t skip it for the classic texture balance.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) or shaved chocolate on top for extra texture and flavor.
• For fruit lovers: add a layer of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) between filling and whipped cream, or on top.
• Replace or combine vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a chocolate-cream variation.
• For extra indulgence — drizzle caramel or chocolate ganache over whipped cream topping.
• To make smaller portions or layered trays: cut into small squares or mini dessert cups.

Serving Ideas & Storage

• Serve chilled, as is — or with a side of fresh fruit or espresso.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• For best texture, keep chilled until serving so cream and filling stay firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — in fact, chilling overnight can improve the set and flavor.

→ What if the base is soggy?
Make sure it’s completely cooled before adding filling, and avoid over-wet toppings.

→ Can I skip the cream cheese?
You could try substituting with whipped cream + pudding only, but the cheesecake-cream cheese adds richness and stability.

→ Kids can help?
Yes — mixing filling, whipping cream, and assembling are great for kids (just handle the oven steps yourself).

Enjoy making and serving this creamy, dreamy Cream Puff Cake — a dessert that’s sure to impress without too much hassle! 🎂🍰

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