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Light, airy, and irresistibly creamy — this easy Cream Puff Cake recipe is everything you love about classic cream puffs in a fuss-free dessert.
Introduction: The Cream Puff Cake Obsession Is Real
If you’ve ever stood in line for a cream puff at your favorite bakery, you know just how addictive they can be. But what if you could enjoy all that goodness in cake form — with a lot less hassle?
Enter the Cream Puff Cake — a dreamy, cloud-like dessert layered with choux pastry, smooth vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing dessert to a potluck, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple, nostalgic, and impressively delicious. And the best part? It’s easier to make than you think.
Let’s dive into how to make this retro favorite that’s been stealing hearts one bite at a time.
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Why You’ll Love This Cream Puff Cake
• Easy to make – No piping bags or fancy tools needed
• Perfect for a crowd – Serves 10-12 people
• Light and creamy – Just like your favorite cream puff
• Customizable – Add toppings like chocolate ganache or fresh berries
This cake brings all the flavor and texture of cream puffs with none of the intimidation. It’s a total showstopper and always leaves people asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the choux pastry base:
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
For the filling:
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 small packages (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 1/2 cups cold milk
For the topping:
• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Optional: chocolate syrup, shaved chocolate, fresh berries
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Step-by-Step: How To Make Cream Puff Cake
Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil, quickly stir in the flour all at once.
Keep stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Pro Tip: Don’t open the oven door while baking — it can cause the pastry to collapse.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling
While the base cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until it begins to thicken. Gradually beat the pudding into the cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
Spread the filling evenly over the cooled pastry base.
Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping
Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle chocolate syrup or ganache over the top. You can also sprinkle with chocolate shavings or top with fresh strawberries if desired.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.
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Tips For Success
• Use cold milk when preparing instant pudding — warm milk won’t set properly.
• Let the choux base cool fully before adding the filling to prevent melting.
• Chill before serving – this cake tastes best cold and allows flavors to meld together.
Variations To Try
Love a twist? Here are a few fun variations:
• Chocolate Cream Puff Cake – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
• Berry Bliss – Add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries on top of the pudding.
• Nutty Delight – Sprinkle crushed almonds or hazelnuts over the whipped topping.
The Nostalgia Factor
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There’s something incredibly comforting about cream puff desserts. Maybe it’s the lightness of the pastry or the creamy filling that reminds us of childhood treats and family gatherings. This cake brings all that nostalgia to your kitchen with minimal effort.
And let’s be honest — a dessert that looks this fancy but takes less than an hour to prepare? Total win.
Serving & Storing
Slice the Cream Puff Cake into squares and serve chilled. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if it even lasts that long!).
Final Thoughts
This Cream Puff Cake is the kind of recipe that gets passed around at potlucks, printed out for coworkers, and bookmarked forever. It’s a modern twist on a timeless classic — and it’s sure to become one of your go-to desserts.
So the next time you’re craving something sweet, impressive, and unbelievably easy, you know what to make.
Try it once, and we bet you’ll be hooked.