Crafting A Dreamy Cream Puff Wedding Cake

A cream puff wedding cake is an elegant and easy dessert that is perfect for a wedding. It is made with a light and airy crust, creamy vanilla pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. The cake is then drizzled with chocolate syrup or topped with chocolate chips for a finishing touch. This dessert is a great option for those looking for an impressive yet simple-to-assemble cake. The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient choice for busy couples. With its contrasting textures and delicious flavours, a cream puff wedding cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Choosing the right ingredients

Crust/Pastry:

• Butter: Use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. Butter lends a rich flavour to the dough and contributes to its structure.
• Water: Combined with butter, water creates steam and moisture, resulting in a light and airy texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is recommended for its ideal protein content, which produces a tender cake. It is also versatile and readily available.
• Eggs: Eggs act as binding agents and provide structure to the pastry. The egg yolks will also give the pastry a golden colour.

Filling:

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese helps stabilise the filling, preventing it from becoming too sweet. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
• Milk: 2% or whole milk adds creaminess and moisture to the filling. Whole milk will result in a richer cream filling.
• Pudding Mix: Instant vanilla pudding mix provides flavour and sweetness. It is a convenient shortcut that saves time and effort. You can experiment with different flavours, such as strawberry, banana, or chocolate.
• Whipped Topping: A frozen whipped topping adds airiness and sweetness to the cake. You can use store-bought or homemade whipped cream, depending on your preference.

Toppings:

• Chocolate: Drizzle chocolate syrup or sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cake for a decadent touch. You can also dip the cream puffs in chocolate or create a chocolate ganache for a more indulgent experience.
• Fruits: Fresh berries or other fruits can be added as toppings or mixed into the filling for a refreshing twist.

Preparing the choux pastry

Step 1: Combine Butter and Water

Add butter and water to a medium saucepan and place it on medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally to combine the ingredients. The exact measurements may vary, but typically, you will need around 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of water.

Step 2: Add Flour

Once the butter-water mixture is boiling, it's time to add the flour. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the saucepan and mix well. Keep stirring until the flour mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This step is crucial in creating the right consistency for the choux pastry.

Step 3: Let the Mixture Stand

Once you have a smooth ball of dough, remove it from the heat and let it stand for a few minutes. This step allows the dough to cool slightly and makes it easier to work with. Typically, you should let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

After the standing time, it's time to add the eggs. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, to the dough mixture. Use a hand mixer or an electric mixer to beat the dough well after each egg addition. This step helps incorporate air into the dough and creates a lighter, fluffier texture.

Step 5: Spread the Dough and Bake

Now, it's time to bake the choux pastry. Spread the dough onto a prepared baking pan, such as a jelly roll pan or a 13x9-inch baking dish. The size of the pan may vary depending on your preferences. Bake the pastry in a preheated oven at around 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown.

Once baked, remove the choux pastry from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling. This step is crucial, as adding the filling to a warm pastry can make it soggy.

With these steps, you'll have a perfectly prepared choux pastry that forms the foundation of your cream puff wedding cake. Now, you can move on to preparing the filling and assembling your delicious creation!

Making the cream filling

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese: softened, one 8-ounce package
• Milk: 2% or whole milk, 3 cups
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: two 3.4-ounce boxes, or two 3.5-ounce packages
• Whipped topping: 8 ounces of Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream

Instructions:

• Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before starting. This will ensure it blends smoothly and evenly into the cream.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and milk. You can use an electric mixer or a hand mixer for this step. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese and milk mixture. Continue mixing until the pudding is fully incorporated and the mixture thickens.
• For a completely smooth and lump-free filling, mix for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• Once the filling is ready, spread it over the cooled cream puff crust. It is important that the crust is completely cooled to room temperature before adding the filling.
• Refrigerate the cream puff cake for at least 20 minutes to allow the filling to set.
• After the initial chilling, add the whipped topping. Spread it evenly over the cream filling.
• Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least another hour before serving.

Feel free to decorate the cake with additional toppings, such as a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips, just before serving. Enjoy your cream puff wedding cake!

Assembling the cake

Now that you have baked your cream puff cake and prepared the filling, it's time to assemble the cake. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Place the cooled crust on a serving platter or cake stand. If you have baked a single large cream puff, place it on the platter. If you have baked individual cream puffs, arrange them into a tower or pile, securing them with caramel or chocolate.
• Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
• Fill the cream puff(s): If you have baked a single large cream puff, simply spread the filling over the cooled crust. If you have baked individual cream puffs, use a small paring knife to poke and twist small holes into the bottom of each puff, then fill them with the cream using a piping bag.
• Chill the cake: Place the filled cream puff cake in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the filling to set.
• Add the whipped topping: After chilling, spread a layer of whipped topping over the cake. You can use store-bought whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, or make your own homemade whipped cream.
• Drizzle with chocolate: For an elegant finish, drizzle chocolate syrup or chocolate ganache over the cake. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top.
• Chill until serving: Place the assembled cream puff cake back in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready to serve it. This will help the cake set and ensure it stays fresh.

Your cream puff wedding cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed! It's a delicious and impressive dessert that your guests will surely love.

Decorating the cake

If you want to make your cream puff cake look like an eclair, skip the whipped topping and top the cream filling with a chocolate ganache instead.

You can also experiment with different flavours of whipped cream, like coffee or mojito, or different flavours of pudding mix, like strawberry, banana, or coconut.

If you're making a croquembouche, a cone-shaped tower of cream puffs bound together by caramel that is traditionally served at French weddings, you can decorate it with caramel threads, candied almonds, or edible flowers.

Frequently asked questions