🍰 Cream Puff Cake
This Cream Puff Cake is a dreamy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a light, airy pastry base with a rich, creamy filling and a fluffy whipped topping. Inspired by classic cream puffs, this chilled cake delivers soft pastry layers, silky vanilla cream, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s elegant enough for holidays yet easy enough for everyday celebrations.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours (includes cooling & chilling)
Servings: 12
Calories: ~310 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pastry Base (Choux Layer)
-
1 cup (240 ml) water
-
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
-
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
-
4 large eggs
For the Creamy Filling
-
8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
-
2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
-
1 large box (5.1 oz / 144 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
For the Topping
-
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
-
Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, for drizzling
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pastry Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will appear separated at first—keep mixing until it becomes smooth and glossy.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3️⃣ Bake Until Puffy
Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed across the surface. Do not open the oven while baking.
Remove from oven and let cool completely. The pastry will naturally deflate—this creates perfect pockets for the filling.
4️⃣ Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the cold milk, beating until fully blended. Add the instant pudding mix and beat for 2–3 minutes, until thick and creamy.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake
Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled pastry base.
Top with whipped topping, smoothing gently to the edges.
6️⃣ Chill & Finish
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is best) to allow layers to set.
Just before serving, drizzle generously with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
-
Slice and serve chilled for best texture
-
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
-
Flavors deepen beautifully overnight