Italian cream puffs with custard filling, also known as bigné alla crema, are a timeless classic in Italian pastry. These delicate choux pastry shells are baked until golden and airy, then filled with a rich, velvety vanilla custard. Light on the outside and decadently creamy inside, they are the perfect addition to any celebration or dessert table.
Whether you’re preparing them for holidays, birthdays, or a refined weekend treat, these cream puffs deliver bakery-quality results that will impress family and guests alike — no professional training required.
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 12 medium cream puffs.
For the Choux Pastry
- One cup water
- Half cup unsalted butter
- One cup all-purpose flour
- Four large eggs
- One eighth teaspoon salt
For the Custard Filling
- Two cups whole milk
- Half cup granulated sugar
- Four large egg yolks
- One third cup cornstarch
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One tablespoon unsalted butter
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Custard cooling time: 2 hours
- Total time: About 3 hours including chilling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Custard Filling
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour half of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a pudding-like texture.
- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin), and chill for at least two hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool for five minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe twelve small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door early to prevent collapse.
- Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Fill and Serve
- Once cooled, use a small knife to make a slit in the bottom or side of each puff.
- Fill a piping bag with the chilled custard and pipe into the center of each puff.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cream puffs chilled for the best texture contrast.
- Arrange on a platter with fresh berries and mint for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair with espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian café experience.
- Add whipped cream or chocolate ganache for added richness.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Cream Puff (1 of 12) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 10 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 16 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugars | 8 grams |
| Sodium | 60 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Egg yolks and milk in the custard provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
- Choux pastry is naturally light and contains no leavening agents, relying solely on steam for rise.
- Moderate portions keep this dessert elegant and indulgent without excess heaviness.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to stir the custard constantly to prevent lumps or curdling.
- Allow the custard to chill thoroughly for the best consistency when piping.
- Let the choux puffs cool completely before filling to avoid melting the custard.
- For extra crispness, pierce each puff with a toothpick post-baking and return to the turned-off oven for 5 minutes.
Variations to Try
- Add lemon zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
- Substitute part of the milk with espresso or chocolate milk for flavored fillings.
- Fill with whipped cream or mascarpone for lighter alternatives.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sea salt for a modern dessert spin.
Special Italian cream puffs with custard filling are the perfect marriage of texture, flavor, and presentation. They’re light, airy, and creamy all at once — delivering a dessert experience that’s as refined as it is comforting. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you can bring the magic of Italian patisserie into your home kitchen.