Cream Puff Dessert Recipe

Bylina Carter
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Introduction

This Cream Puff Dessert is a delightful blend of light, airy pastry and rich, creamy chocolate filling topped with whipped cream and crunchy almonds. It’s an easy-to-make treat that looks as impressive as it tastes, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

The image shows a single square piece of dessert on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden cake base, the middle layer is thick and creamy with a marbled mix of chocolate and white cream, and the top layer is pure white whipped cream. Drizzled on top are two sauces, one caramel-colored and one dark chocolate, which form stripes across the surface. Thin sliced almonds are scattered on top of the dessert and on the plate around it. In the background, another white plate with a similar chocolate and cream dessert piece is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • Filling:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 3-1/2 cups cold 2% milk
  • 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • Topping:
  • 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/4 cup chocolate ice cream topping
  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the water and butter to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough.
  2. Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough stand for five minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  3. Step 3: Spread the dough evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the crust to cool completely.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cold milk, and instant chocolate pudding mix until the filling is smooth.
  6. Step 6: Spread the filling over the cooled crust and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
  7. Step 7: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the chocolate filling. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, drizzle chocolate and caramel ice cream toppings over the dessert and sprinkle with chopped almonds for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nut-free version, omit the chopped almonds or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Using room temperature eggs helps the dough incorporate more smoothly.
  • Try using vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix for a different flavor twist.
  • Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting the pudding layer.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture and flavor, add the toppings and nuts just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the pudding filling and whipped topping.

How to Serve

The dish is a rectangular layered dessert in a clear glass baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface with a dark purple cloth to the side. The bottom layer is a light golden brown crust that looks firm and slightly crumbly. On top of the crust is a thick, smooth white layer of whipped cream or frosting, spread evenly. Drizzled over the white layer are alternating thin lines of dark brown chocolate sauce and caramel sauce, creating a striped pattern. Sprinkled on top are small almond slices, adding texture and contrast to the smooth sauces and cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the whipped topping, toppings, and nuts just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Absolutely! Vanilla or butterscotch pudding mixes work well and give the dessert a unique flavor. Just make sure to use instant pudding for the best texture.

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Cream Puff Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews
  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Cream Puff Dessert combines a light, airy pastry base with a rich, creamy chocolate pudding filling, topped with whipped cream, drizzled chocolate and caramel sauces, and crunchy chopped almonds for a delightful layered treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Dough

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

Filling

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 3–1/2 cups cold 2% milk
  • 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix

Topping

  • 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/4 cup chocolate ice cream topping
  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/3 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

  1. Mix the cream puff dough: In a large saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth ball of dough forms.
  2. Add the eggs: Remove the dough from heat and let it rest for five minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  3. Bake the crust: Spread the dough evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is puffed and golden brown.
  4. Let the crust cool: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
  5. Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, cold milk, and instant chocolate pudding mixes until smooth and well combined.
  6. Add the filling: Spread the chocolate pudding filling evenly over the cooled pastry crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
  7. Finish the dessert: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the chocolate filling layer. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle the chocolate ice cream topping and caramel ice cream topping on top, then sprinkle with chopped almonds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before adding to the dough for better incorporation.
  • Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent melting or sogginess.
  • Chilled milk helps the pudding set properly and keeps the filling smooth.
  • Use a wire rack for cooling to keep the crust crisp on the bottom.
  • For best results, prepare the dessert a few hours in advance so flavors meld together.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cream Puff Dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, layered cream cheese dessert, easy baked dessert, no-bake pudding filling

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