Doughnuts with vanilla cream
Vanilla Cream Puffs – a delicious and versatile recipe, perfect for impressing family or friends. These fluffy puffs, filled with vanilla cream, are ideal both as a dessert and as an appetizer. Preparing them may seem a bit complicated at first glance, but by following the detailed steps, you'll achieve spectacular results. Let's get started!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: About 20 puffs
Ingredients
For the puffs:
- 1 cup water (about 250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 cup oil (about 250 ml)
- 2 cups flour (about 300 g)
- 8 medium eggs
- A pinch of salt
For the vanilla cream:
- 300 g sugar
- 6 medium eggs
- 6 tablespoons flour (about 90 g)
- 1 liter milk
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar Dr. Oetker (or one vanilla pod)
A Brief History
Puffs have a long-standing tradition in international cuisine, appreciated for their fluffy texture and versatility in preparation. These treats can be filled with various creams or enjoyed plain, based on a simple yet refined dough recipe. Vanilla cream, a classic dessert, offers a sweet and aromatic flavor, making each bite a true delight.
Step by Step: Making the Puffs
1. Boil the water: In a pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil along with 1 cup of oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. When the mixture starts to boil, remove the pot from the heat.
2. Add the flour: Sifted to avoid lumps, add the 2 cups of flour to the hot mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir quickly until the mixture becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
3. Heat the dough: Place the pot back on low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step is essential to activate the starch in the flour, which will make the puffs fluffier.
4. Adding the eggs: Allow the dough to cool slightly, then start adding the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. Ensure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. This process will give the puffs an airy and fluffy texture.
5. Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Use a teaspoon, ice cream scoop, or piping bag to form small puffs on the tray, leaving space between them to allow for rising.
6. Bake the puffs: Bake the puffs for 10 minutes at high heat (200°C), then reduce the temperature to medium (180°C) and continue baking for 15-20 minutes. It is very important not to open the oven door during baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
7. Cooling: Once the puffs are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step by Step: Making the Vanilla Cream
1. Boil the milk: In a pot, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil. At the same time, in a separate bowl, mix 300 g of sugar and 6 eggs. Whisk the mixture well until it becomes homogeneous.
2. Prepare the flour: Dissolve 6 tablespoons of flour in 300 ml of cold milk, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. Combine the ingredients: When the milk begins to boil, add the egg and sugar mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Cook the cream: Continue stirring until the cream thickens, similar to a custard. When it reaches the desired consistency, add the 4 packets of vanilla sugar and mix well. Turn off the heat and allow the cream to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Filling the Puffs
1. Cutting the puffs: Once the puffs have cooled, cut a small cap off the top of each puff, taking care not to break them.
2. Filling: Using a teaspoon or a pastry bag, fill each puff with the vanilla cream. You can play with the amount of cream, adding more or less according to your preference.
3. Finishing: Place the cap back on the puff, then dust them with powdered sugar or, for an extra touch of flavor, drizzle them with melted chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These vanilla cream puffs can be served at a special occasion alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also pair them with vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce for a perfect culinary experience.
Variations and Helpful Tips
- Cream variations: You can add a few drops of orange or lemon essence to the vanilla cream for a fresh taste. Additionally, you can substitute vanilla sugar with a vanilla pod for an intense and natural aroma.
- Savory puffs: If you want to experiment, you can fill the puffs with savory fillings, such as herb cottage cheese or eggplant spread.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per puff, depending on size and filling.
- Nutritional benefits: The puffs provide carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs, and benefits from dairy products. The vanilla cream adds a touch of sweetness and flavor, making it ideal for a delightful dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the puffs will have a different texture.
2. How can I tell if the puffs are baked? The puffs should be golden and slightly firm to the touch. You can do the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the puffs are ready.
3. Can the puffs be frozen? Yes, baked and unfilled puffs can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking. Your vanilla cream puffs are sure to become a favorite for everyone. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1 cup water 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar cup oil 2 cups flour 8 eggs 1 pinch salt Ingredients for vanilla cream 300 g sugar 6 eggs 6 tablespoons flour 1 l milk 4 sachets Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar (or a vanilla pod)
