🍋 Easy Lemon Cream Puffs Recipe | Light, Airy & Zesty Dessert
Make these light and airy Lemon Cream Puffs filled with luscious lemon pastry cream. A perfect spring or summer dessert that's surprisingly easy to make!
📌 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light & refreshing – the zesty lemon flavor is irresistible
- Perfect for special occasions – birthdays, tea parties, or bridal showers
- Beginner-friendly – simple ingredients with step-by-step instructions
- Freezer-friendly – store extras for a quick treat later
📝 Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Optional: whipped cream for extra fluffiness
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Mix until a ball forms.
- Return to low heat. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe or spoon onto baking sheet in 2-inch rounds.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely before filling.
2. Prepare the Lemon Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and egg yolks.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (~5–7 mins).
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and butter.
- Optional: Fold in whipped cream for an ultra-light texture.
- Cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
3. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Slice puffs in half or make a small hole in the bottom.
- Pipe in the chilled lemon filling.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze.
🍽 Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
- Don’t open the oven early – it can cause puffs to collapse.
- Let the lemon filling chill thoroughly for best texture.
- Use a piping bag for clean, professional-looking puffs.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days (best eaten fresh).
- Freeze unfilled puffs for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill before serving.
- Lemon cream can be made a day ahead.
🔁 Variations
- Swap lemon for orange or lime zest
- Add a layer of raspberry jam inside for extra flavor
- Make mini cream puffs for a bite-sized dessert platter
📌 Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself, these Lemon Cream Puffs strike the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and airy. They’re the kind of dessert that looks fancy but comes together with everyday ingredients.
Comments
Post a Comment