If you’re craving a dessert that’s as showstopping as it is comforting, let me introduce you to Cream Puff Cake. This heavenly concoction turns the classic cream puff into a crowd-pleasing sheet cake—with a fluffy, golden crust, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and a pillow of whipped topping, all finished off with a drizzle of chocolate. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration or a casual weeknight treat, Cream Puff Cake delivers all the magic of a French patisserie with delicious ease, and trust me, there’s never a crumb left behind!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of everyday staples, but each one is vital—building flavor, texture, and luscious layers that transform into pure dessert bliss. Let’s go over them so you know exactly what makes Cream Puff Cake so irresistible:
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Gives the crust rich flavor and helps create that classic choux pastry texture.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for making the pastry dough puff up light and airy.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The structure-builder for your beautiful cream puff base.
- Large eggs (4): Add richness and allow the crust to rise and set just like real cream puffs.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Makes the filling creamy, tangy, and oh-so-smooth—no lumps allowed.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (2 x 3.4 oz packages): Brings classic vanilla flavor and a velvety texture to the filling layer.
- Cold milk (2 1/2 cups): Turns the pudding mix into a luscious, spoonable cream.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a touch elevates the filling and rounds out all the flavors.
- Whipped topping or whipped cream (8 oz): Finishes the cake with a cloud of sweet, light goodness.
- Chocolate syrup (optional): For a final flourish—drizzle just before serving to mimic the classic dessert.
How to Make Cream Puff Cake
Step 1: Create the Choux Pastry Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan, combine butter and water, bringing them to a boil. Once bubbling, add all the flour at once and stir vigorously—you’ll see the mixture come together and pull away from the sides to form a soft, cohesive dough. Take it off the heat and let it cool for five minutes, so the eggs won’t scramble in the next step.
Step 2: Add Eggs for a Fluffy Crust
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is how your Cream Puff Cake gets that signature, airy rise! The dough should become glossy and thick—sturdy enough to spread evenly across your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake and Cool the Pastry
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is puffed and richly golden. Perfection! Take the dish out and let it cool completely—this is key, or the creamy filling will melt and lose its shape.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
While the base is cooling, beat your softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s super smooth—no lumps! In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk until it thickens up. Slowly combine the pudding with the cream cheese, blending until everything is silky and uniform. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra pop of flavor.
Step 5: Build the Cream Puff Cake Layers
Once your crust is totally cool, gently spread that dreamy pudding-cream cheese mixture across the top, making sure every bite gets a little of both. Then, spoon or spread the whipped topping over everything in a pillowy, even layer. For best results, refrigerate your Cream Puff Cake for at least 2 hours—this helps the flavors meld and makes slicing super easy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup if you like. Prepare for applause and lots of requests for your recipe card!
How to Serve Cream Puff Cake
Garnishes
A finishing drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a decadent touch that mimics the flavor of traditional cream puffs. For even more allure, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds, or a scattering of fresh berries for brightness and pop.
Side Dishes
Since Cream Puff Cake is rich and satisfying, pair it with lighter sides—think fresh fruit salad or citrus segments. For a more indulgent spread, serve coffee or espresso, which contrast beautifully with the creamy, sweet layers of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice Cream Puff Cake into neat squares and arrange them on a platter for dessert buffets. Layer into individual parfait glasses for single-serve elegance, or top each piece with decorative chocolate curls for a bakery-worthy finish. No matter the presentation, this dessert always steals the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if) you have any Cream Puff Cake leftover, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays beautifully fresh for up to three days—just note the crust will soften a bit, but the flavor remains out of this world.
Freezing
The finished cake isn’t ideal for freezing, since the delicate pudding layer can separate once thawed. However, you can bake and cool the pastry crust ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling the rest of the cake fresh.
Reheating
Cream Puff Cake is best enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator—no reheating needed! If you’ve pre-baked and frozen the pastry, warm it in a low oven for a few minutes before adding the cool filling to recreate that freshly-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?
Absolutely! Freshly whipped heavy cream with a little powdered sugar works perfectly, and adds an airy, homemade touch to the top layer.
Can I make Cream Puff Cake ahead for a party?
You sure can! In fact, making it the night before gives it extra time to chill and set up, making slicing and serving even easier when guests arrive.
What’s the best way to get a smooth cream cheese pudding filling?
Start with very soft cream cheese and beat it until it’s absolutely lump-free before adding the pudding. This ensures your filling is gloriously smooth every time.
Can I swap the vanilla pudding for another flavor?
Definitely! Try chocolate for a decadent twist, or pistachio for something a little unexpected. The classic vanilla is foolproof, but feel free to make the Cream Puff Cake your own.
Why does my crust sometimes collapse after baking?
It’s usually due to underbaking or not allowing it to cool fully before adding the filling. Make sure the crust is deeply golden and let it come to room temperature so it holds up beautifully under those luscious cream layers.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts bring as much pure delight as Cream Puff Cake—it’s approachable enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to crown any celebration. Give it a try and watch it vanish before your eyes; I promise, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Cream Puff Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Cream Puff Cake, a luscious layered dessert featuring a choux pastry base topped with a creamy vanilla pudding and finished with a cloud of whipped topping. This easy-to-make treat is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Pudding Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 8 oz whipped topping or whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Choux Pastry: Boil butter and water, add flour, and eggs. Spread in baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Prepare Pudding Layer: Beat cream cheese, mix pudding with milk, and add to cream cheese. Add vanilla.
- Assemble: Spread pudding over crust, top with whipped topping, refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Serve: Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.
Notes
- Ensure crust is cooled before adding pudding.
- For a variation, try using chocolate pudding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
