Famous French Cream Puffs with Apricots bring a delightful taste of France right to your kitchen! These delicious pastries, filled with creamy goodness and topped with sweet apricots, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply want to indulge in a treat, these cream puffs are sure to impress everyone with their lovely flavor and elegant appearance. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful desserts!
What Goes into These French Cream Puffs
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Famous French Cream Puffs with Apricots:
- 300 ml milk (1 1/4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 300 g all-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g powdered sugar (1 cup)
- 100 ml vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 80 g apricots, ideally compote (about 2.8 oz)
Step-by-Step Recipe for French Cream Puffs
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Prepare the Cream: In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with about 50 ml (1/4 cup) of milk until smooth. In a small pot, combine the remaining milk with the egg yolk, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Heat the mixture gently. Once warm, add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously. Bring it to a boil while stirring until the cream thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Transfer it to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to cool completely.
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Make the Dough: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and powdered sugar. Add in the vegetable oil, whole eggs, and grated lemon zest. Mix quickly until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each part in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Shape the Puffs: Roll out one half of the chilled dough and cut circles using a cookie cutter. Place these circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a piping bag, add a dollop of cream onto each circle, then top with small pieces of apricot.
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Bake: Grate the other half of the dough over the filled circles. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Once baked, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar.
The Best Way to Serve It
To serve your Famous French Cream Puffs with Apricots, arrange them elegantly on a dessert plate. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh apricot slices or additional powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Pair these delightful pastries with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat!
Helpful Tricks for Famous French Cream Puffs
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until needed. Just make sure to cover it to prevent a skin from forming.
- Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe features apricots, feel free to swap in other fruits or even chocolate ganache for a fun twist!
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your dough is chilled before baking for the best puffed results.
Famous French Cream Puffs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of apricots?
A: Absolutely! You can try berries, peaches, or even a mix of fruits to change up the flavor!
Q: How can I store leftover puffs?
A: Keep any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: What can I do if the cream is too thick?
A: If your cream thickens too much, you can whisk in a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
These Famous French Cream Puffs with Apricots are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! They’re not only packed with flavor but also offer a delightful presentation. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!