Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Light and airy, these Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs are the perfect sweet treat for any spring gathering. Filled with a luscious lemon-infused cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these delicate pastries are bursting with freshness and vibrant flavor. Ideal as a dessert or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, they will surely impress your guests and brighten up your table.
These Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of spring.
Perfect for Spring Celebrations
As the flowers bloom and the weather warms, gatherings with friends and family become more frequent. These Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs perfectly embody the essence of the season; their lightness and zesty flavor make them an ideal dessert for spring celebrations. Whether it's an afternoon tea party, a birthday picnic, or a family brunch, these cream puffs add a touch of elegance and cheer to any occasion.
The vibrant lemon cream filling is not only refreshing but also a delightful contrast to the airy pastry, creating a taste experience that will have your guests coming back for more. Pair them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad for an even more colorful presentation, making your spring event truly memorable.
A Simple yet Elegant Dessert
One of the best aspects of these Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs is their simplicity. The choux pastry, while sophisticated, is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The filling, made with heavy cream and bright lemon, elevates the dish without adding complexity, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
This recipe also provides an excellent opportunity to involve children in the kitchen, making it a fun project for the whole family. They can help with mixing, piping, or even decorating the finished puffs, creating lasting memories while learning valuable cooking skills.
Ingredients
For the Cream Puffs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Lemon Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!
How to Make Cream Puffs
Prepare the Choux Pastry
In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until butter melts. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture pulls away from the sides. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pipe or spoon onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Make the Lemon Cream Filling
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fill cooled cream puffs with the lemon cream.
Serve and Enjoy
Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delightful Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs!
These cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh!
Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
To achieve the best results, make sure your butter is fully melted and mixed with the water before adding the flour. This step is crucial for developing the right texture. Additionally, be patient when adding the eggs; mixing one at a time ensures the batter remains smooth and achieves the perfect consistency for puffs.
Once baked, allow your cream puffs to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy once filled with the creamy lemon goodness.
Storing Your Cream Puffs
These cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the unfilled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, once filled with the lemon cream, it’s best to serve them immediately to preserve their texture and taste.
If you have leftovers, simply fill them and enjoy them within a few hours. Refrigerate any filled puffs for up to 24 hours, but keep in mind that they may lose some of their crunch and become softer over time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the puffs in advance?
Yes, you can make the puffs in advance and fill them just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?
You can use lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs
Light and airy, these Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs are the perfect sweet treat for any spring gathering. Filled with a luscious lemon-infused cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these delicate pastries are bursting with freshness and vibrant flavor. Ideal as a dessert or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, they will surely impress your guests and brighten up your table.
Created by: Sabrina Holt
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Cream Puffs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Lemon Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until butter melts. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture pulls away from the sides. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pipe or spoon onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fill cooled cream puffs with the lemon cream.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delightful Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g