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How to Make Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux) | Sally's Baking

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Sally's Baking Recipes
Sally's Baking Recipes
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Cream puffs, or profiteroles, are a classic French pastry made from choux pastry. They are often filled with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream and can be served as a dessert or a sweet treat at celebrations. Their light and airy texture makes them a favorite in French patisserie, and they are enjoyed worldwide, often customized with various fillings and toppings.

Ingredients

  • water
  • butter
  • flour
  • eggs
  • sugar
  • cream
  • vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. 5Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. 6Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet in small mounds.
  7. 7Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  9. 9Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  10. 10Cut the tops off the puffs and fill with whipped cream.
  11. 11Replace the tops and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is lower in saturated fat.

heavy cream

Healthier: whipped coconut cream

Cheaper: whipped topping

Whipped coconut cream is dairy-free and lower in calories.

Techniques

boilingmixingbakingpiping

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlpiping bagbaking sheetwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

ProfiterolesChoux à la Crème

Eclairs are a classic French pastry made from choux pastry, filled with cream and topped with chocolate. Traditionally enjoyed as a dessert or sweet treat, they are often served at celebrations and special occasions. The versatility of eclairs has led to various fillings and toppings, making them a beloved dessert worldwide.

Ingredients

  • water
  • butter
  • salt
  • flour
  • eggs
  • sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • heavy cream
  • powdered sugar
  • chocolate
  • milk

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt over medium heat until the butter melts.
  3. 3Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. 5Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
  6. 6Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
  7. 7Pipe 4-inch long strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
  8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden, avoiding opening the oven door.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. 10In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  11. 11Slice the cooled eclairs in half lengthwise and fill with whipped cream.
  12. 12Melt chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
  13. 13Dip the tops of the filled eclairs in melted chocolate and let set before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

chocolate

Healthier: dark chocolate

Cheaper: cocoa powder

Cocoa powder can provide chocolate flavor at a lower cost.

Techniques

mixingpipingbaking

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlpiping bagbaking sheetwire rack
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Choux PastryFrench Cream Puffs

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate ganache (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
  3. 3Add flour and salt to the saucepan, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  5. 5Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  6. 6Spoon or pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming small mounds.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. 9In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  10. 10Once the profiteroles are cool, cut a small slit in the side of each and fill with whipped cream.
  11. 11Drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlbaking sheetpiping bagwhiskwire rack

Churros are a popular Spanish pastry, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. They are typically served with hot chocolate for dipping. The dish has roots in Spanish and Latin American cultures and has become a beloved treat worldwide, often found at fairs and street vendors.

Ingredients

  • water
  • flour
  • salt
  • sugar
  • butter
  • eggs
  • oil
  • cinnamon
  • sugar

Instructions

  1. 1In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar; bring to a boil.
  2. 2Remove from heat and stir in flour until a dough forms.
  3. 3Allow the dough to cool slightly, then mix in eggs one at a time until smooth.
  4. 4Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
  5. 5Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  6. 6Pipe strips of dough into hot oil, cutting with scissors to desired length.
  7. 7Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. 8Remove churros and drain on paper towels.
  9. 9Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl; roll churros in the mixture while warm.
  10. 10Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.

Ingredient Alternatives

flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

Techniques

boilingfrying

Equipment

saucepanpiping bagdeep fryerlarge potmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Churros con ChocolateSpanish Doughnuts

Croquembouche, a traditional French dessert, consists of choux pastry balls filled with cream and stacked into a towering cone, often served at weddings and celebrations. Its name means 'crunch in the mouth', reflecting the delightful texture of the caramelized sugar coating. While it remains a classic in France, variations have emerged globally, with different fillings and decorations, showcasing the versatility of this elegant dessert.

Ingredients

  • pâte à choux
  • water
  • butter
  • flour
  • eggs
  • sugar
  • vanilla
  • heavy cream
  • gelatin
  • chocolate
  • caramel
  • almonds
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Boil water and butter in a saucepan until melted.
  3. 3Add flour and stir vigorously until a ball forms.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. 5Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and glossy.
  6. 6Pipe small mounds of dough onto a baking sheet.
  7. 7Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
  8. 8Cool the choux pastry completely on a wire rack.
  9. 9Prepare the pastry cream by whipping heavy cream and folding in vanilla.
  10. 10Fill each choux with pastry cream using a piping bag.
  11. 11Create caramel by heating sugar until melted and golden.
  12. 12Dip the tops of filled choux in caramel and stack them into a cone shape.
  13. 13Drizzle remaining caramel over the assembled croquembouche.
  14. 14Decorate with toasted almonds and powdered sugar.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: whipped topping

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

caramel

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: sugar syrup

Honey provides sweetness with fewer processed ingredients

Techniques

boilingbakingpipingfillingstacking

Equipment

saucepanbaking sheetpiping bagwire rackwhisk
glutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Croque-en-boucheCroquembouche de choux

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. 2Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour and baking powder until a dough forms.
  3. 3Allow the dough to cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
  4. 4Stir in granulated sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. 5Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  6. 6Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  7. 7Pipe 4-inch rings of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. 8Remove the crullers from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  9. 9In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze.
  10. 10Dip the warm crullers into the glaze and allow to set on a wire rack.

Equipment

medium saucepanpiping bagdeep fryer or large potwhiskwire rackpaper towels

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. 2Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. 3Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  4. 4Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. 5Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  6. 6Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
  7. 7Fry the beignets for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
  8. 8Remove the beignets from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  9. 9Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Equipment

Medium saucepanWooden spoonDeep fryer or large potSlotted spoonPaper towelsPiping bag (optional)

Gougeres are a classic French pastry made from choux dough combined with cheese. They are often served as an appetizer or snack and are popular at celebrations and gatherings. Their light, airy texture and cheesy flavor make them a favorite in French cuisine, often enjoyed with wine or as part of a larger meal.

Ingredients

  • water
  • butter
  • flour
  • eggs
  • cheese
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. 3Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
  4. 4Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. 5Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
  6. 6Stir in grated cheese until evenly distributed.
  7. 7Spoon or pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

boilingmixingbaking

Equipment

saucepanmixing bowlbaking sheetparchment paperwhisk
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Cheese PuffsChoux au Fromage

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