Classic French Profiteroles: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 100 grams of dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon of corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup of milk

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a thick dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
  6. Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the profiteroles are puffed up and golden brown.
  8. While the profiteroles are baking, make the filling. Beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks.
  9. Once the profiteroles have cooled, cut a small hole in the bottom of each one and fill with the cream mixture.
  10. For the chocolate sauce, combine the dark chocolate, corn syrup, and milk in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, until the chocolate has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  11. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the filled profiteroles before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - For mixing the dough and other ingredients.
  • Saucepan - To cook the dough mixture.
  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the profiteroles.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Electric mixer - To beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar for the filling.
  • Piping bag - To fill the profiteroles with the cream mixture.
  • Small saucepan - For making the chocolate sauce.
  • Whisk - To stir and blend the chocolate sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula - To scrape the sides of the saucepan and transfer the sauce.
  • Knife - To cut a small hole in the bottom of the profiteroles for filling.
  • Drizzle bottle or spoon - To drizzle the chocolate sauce over the filled profiteroles.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, for a healthier twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of flavored extract, such as almond or lemon, to the dough or filling for added flavor.
  • Try filling the profiteroles with different fillings like pastry cream, whipped cream, or fruit compote.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • For a savory variation, omit the sugar and fill the profiteroles with a cheesy or herbed filling.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the dough for a crunchy texture.
  • Instead of chocolate sauce, serve the profiteroles with a caramel or raspberry sauce.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Make mini profiteroles by using a smaller teaspoon to drop the dough onto the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the profiteroles for an elegant touch.

Recipe overview

Profiteroles are a classic French dessert that will delight your taste buds and wow your guests. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating these beautiful pastries from scratch. You'll start by making a simple choux pastry that bakes up light and airy, perfect for filling with sweet, vanilla-flavored whipped cream. The final touch, a rich dark chocolate sauce, takes these treats to the next level. While they may look fancy, profiteroles are surprisingly easy to make, and this recipe will break down the steps for you. So, whether you're planning a dinner party or just want to indulge in a decadent dessert, this profiterole recipe is a fantastic choice.

Common questions

  1. Can I make the profiterole dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  2. Can I freeze the baked profiteroles? Yes, you can freeze the baked profiteroles in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before filling and serving.
  3. Can I use whipped cream instead of the heavy cream filling? Yes, you can use whipped cream as a filling for the profiteroles. Just make sure it is stabilized with gelatin or whipped cream stabilizer to prevent it from deflating.
  4. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the sauce? Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust the amount of corn syrup and milk accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Can I add other flavors to the cream filling? Absolutely! You can add different extracts such as almond or coffee, or even fold in some finely chopped nuts or fruits to customize the flavor of the cream filling.
  6. Can I make mini profiteroles instead of large ones? Yes, you can make mini profiteroles by using a smaller spoon or piping bag to drop smaller amounts of dough onto the baking sheet. Adjust the baking time accordingly as they may cook faster.
  7. How should I store the filled profiteroles? Filled profiteroles should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Consume them within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Profiteroles, or cream puffs as they are often called, were born in the kitchens of Renaissance Italy, but it was in France, under the reign of Catherine de Medici, that they truly found their place in culinary history. The French court's pastry chef, Popelini, is credited with inventing the choux pastry, a light dough that puffs up beautifully when baked, and which forms the basis for the profiterole. By the mid-19th century, Parisian pastry chefs began to fill them with cream and cover them with a rich chocolate sauce. This delightful dessert, with its creamy center and rich chocolate topping, has been a beloved part of French cuisine ever since. The simple elegance of the profiterole, with its combination of textures and flavors, embodies the artistry and finesse at the heart of French patisserie.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.