What are Italian cream puffs and what makes them different?

Italian cream puffs are delicate pastries made with light choux dough shells filled with an airy, sweetened whipped cream filling. Unlike typical cream puffs that use heavier custard, these feature a fluffy Italian cream that makes them lighter and more refreshing. They are quick to prepare, usually coming together in about an hour, making them great for special occasions or everyday treats.

Why are Italian cream puffs also called St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs?

Italian cream puffs are known as St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs, or “Bignè di San Giuseppe,” because they are traditionally served on Father’s Day, which coincides with St. Joseph’s feast day on March 19. This name links the dessert to the holiday and highlights its cultural significance in Italian celebrations.

How do I make the perfect shell for Italian cream puffs?

The shell for Italian cream puffs is made using choux pastry dough, which is cooked on the stovetop before baking. The key is to cook the dough until it forms a smooth ball and then beat in eggs one at a time to create a light, airy texture. Bake the shells at high heat to ensure they puff up and stay crisp.

What filling works best for Italian cream puffs?

The best filling for Italian cream puffs is a sweetened whipped cream mixture that is light and fluffy. Some recipes include mascarpone or ricotta cheese folded into the whipped cream for extra richness and flavor. This filling contrasts nicely with the crisp shell and keeps the cream puffs from feeling too heavy.

Can Italian cream puffs be made in advance and stored?

Yes, you can make the choux shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness. It’s best to fill the cream puffs with whipped cream just before serving to keep the shells from becoming soggy. If made ahead, store the filled cream puffs in the refrigerator and consume them within 24 hours.

Italian Cream Puffs Recipe Easy Steps And Classic Taste

Name: Italian Cream Puffs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); – 1 cup water; – 1 cup all-purpose flour; – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – 4 eggs (room temperature); – 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold); – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided as 1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon); – 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; – 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (divided as 1 1/2 cups plus 1 cup); – 1.5 pounds ricotta cheese (thick and smooth); – 1 teaspoon Italian liquor such as Sambucca or Amaretto (optional)

Description

🍰 Enjoy classic Italian Cream Puffs with rich, creamy ricotta filling that offers a delightful balance of smooth texture and sweet flavor.
👩‍🍳 This easy recipe guides you through simple steps to create elegant desserts perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

– 1 cup water

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 4 eggs (room temperature)

– 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided as 1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon)

– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

– 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (divided as 1 1/2 cups plus 1 cup)

– 1.5 pounds ricotta cheese (thick and smooth)

– 1 teaspoon Italian liquor such as Sambucca or Amaretto (optional)

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.

2-In a saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup water over high heat until it boils.

3-Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the flour-salt mixture all at once and stir until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan.

4-Remove from heat and beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth.

5-Pipe or spoon the dough into 12 rounds on the baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 20 minutes until golden.

6-Let the shells cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 5-10 minutes to keep them airy.

7-For the filling, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

8-In another bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1.5 cups powdered sugar, 1.5 pounds ricotta cheese, and optional liquor.

9-Gently fold this into the whipped cream.

10-To finish, slice the cooled puffs in half, fill them with the cream using a scoop or piping bag, and dust with powdered sugar.

11-Serve right away for the best taste!

Notes

🧀 Use thick, grain-free ricotta; drain watery ricotta overnight if necessary.
❄️ Keep cream and tools cold for optimal whipping and texture.
🍮 Bake until golden brown and cool shells in the oven with door ajar to maintain airy texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cream puff
Calories: 461
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 201mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 158mg

Keywords: Italian Cream Puffs, Ricotta Filling, Classic Dessert, Easy Steps