A true celebration centerpiece, this Cream Puff Tower with Vanilla Custard Filling is a stunning display of classic French pastry. Delicate choux puffs filled with silky vanilla custard are artfully stacked into a pyramid and drizzled with melted chocolate. Garnished with fresh raspberries and mint, this elegant dessert is perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion that calls for a show-stopping finale.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually spectacular: Makes a grand impression on dessert tables.
- Classic French technique: A great way to master choux pastry and custard.
- Creamy and light: The contrast of airy puffs and smooth vanilla filling is irresistible.
- Perfect for events: Ideal for serving guests at large gatherings or formal celebrations.
- Make-ahead components: Pastry and custard can be prepared in advance.
- Customizable garnish: Fresh raspberries and mint add seasonal flair.
- Chocolate drizzle adds depth: Balances the sweetness of custard with rich cocoa notes.
- Fun to assemble: A creative way to present individual desserts as a cohesive tower.
- Kid and adult friendly: Appealing flavor and soft texture for all ages.
- Elegant yet achievable: Requires basic ingredients and results in a professional look.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Choux Pastry (Cream Puffs):
- unsalted butter
- water
- salt
- sugar
- all-purpose flour
- large eggs
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- whole milk
- sugar
- cornstarch
- egg yolks
- vanilla extract
- unsalted butter
For Decoration:
- melted dark or milk chocolate
- fresh raspberries
- mint leaves
Directions
Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
- Allow to cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let cool completely before filling.
Prepare the Vanilla Custard:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and cool completely.
Fill and Assemble:
- Transfer the cooled custard to a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Fill each cooled puff through the bottom or side.
- Arrange filled puffs in a circular base on a serving platter, then continue stacking in smaller layers to form a pyramid shape.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled tower.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: Approximately 20 cream puffs
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cream puff
Variations
- Chocolate custard: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the custard for a twist.
- Caramel drizzle: Replace chocolate with a warm caramel sauce.
- Fruit-filled: Add small diced fruit inside the puffs for added texture.
- Mini towers: Create individual towers of 3–5 cream puffs for personal servings.
- Flavored custard: Try coffee, almond, or citrus-infused custards.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store assembled tower in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Unfilled puffs: Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Custard: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Do not reheat filled cream puffs. Serve chilled for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes, unfilled cream puffs can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container or frozen.
How do I fill the cream puffs?
Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to insert the custard into the bottom or side of each puff.
Why did my puffs deflate?
They may not have baked long enough. Ensure they are golden brown and dry before removing from the oven.
Can I use pastry cream instead of custard?
Yes, pastry cream is a traditional alternative and works well in this recipe.
What type of chocolate is best for drizzling?
Dark or milk chocolate both work well. Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
Can I assemble the tower on a cake stand?
Yes, a cake stand adds elegance and elevates the visual appeal of the tower.
How do I transport the tower?
Assemble it at the destination if possible. If transporting, use a stable, flat base and chill before moving.
Can I use store-bought custard?
For convenience, store-bought custard may be used, though homemade provides the best flavor and consistency.
What can I use instead of raspberries?
Strawberries, blueberries, or edible flowers make lovely alternatives.
How long can the assembled tower sit out?
For food safety, keep it out for no more than 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator until serving.
Conclusion
The Cream Puff Tower with Vanilla Custard Filling is a truly spectacular dessert that blends traditional French pastry with modern elegance. From the golden choux to the smooth, fragrant custard and the decorative garnishes, each detail contributes to a memorable presentation and irresistible taste. Perfect for weddings, holiday tables, or celebratory feasts, this dessert is sure to delight both eyes and palate alike.
PrintCream Puff Tower with Vanilla Custard Filling
This stunning custard cream puff tower is a show-stopping dessert made from golden choux pastry filled with silky vanilla custard. Artfully stacked into a pyramid, each puff is drizzled with chocolate and garnished with fresh raspberries and mint—perfect for holidays, weddings, or any celebration.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 20 cream puffs (approx.) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup melted dark or milk chocolate
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the Choux Pastry: In a saucepan, bring butter, water, salt, and sugar to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until the dough pulls away from the sides. Let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely before filling.
- Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely.
- Fill each puff with custard using a piping bag fitted with a small tip.
- Assemble the Tower: Arrange filled puffs in a circular base, then stack in decreasing layers to form a pyramid.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the tower and decorate with fresh raspberries and mint.
Notes
- Ensure puffs are completely cool before filling to avoid melting the custard.
- Chill custard in the refrigerator if preparing ahead of time.
- Use a firm base or cake board to support the assembled tower.
- Serve the assembled tower within a few hours for best presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg