Profiteroles
Indulge in the exquisite delight of profiteroles, a beloved French pastry that embodies elegance and flavor. These light and airy choux pastries are filled with rich cream and drizzled with luscious chocolate sauce, making them the perfect treat for celebrations or a sweet ending to any meal. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, this recipe will have your guests asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating these mouthwatering desserts!
Ingredients
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chocolate ganache (store-bought or homemade)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 12 profiteroles. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 25 minutes for baking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 profiterole) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is based on a standard serving size of one profiterole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add flour and salt, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag.
7. Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
9. Let cool completely before filling.
10. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
11. Fill cooled profiteroles with whipped cream and top with chocolate ganache.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Additionally, use dark chocolate for the ganache for a richer flavor or even a flavored custard for filling instead of whipped cream.
Serving and Pairings
Profiteroles are delightful on their own but can be served alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with a light dessert wine or a rich coffee for a delightful experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover profiteroles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not letting the dough cool before adding eggs can lead to a collapsed pastry.
- Opening the oven door too early can cause the profiteroles to deflate.
- Using too much flour will result in dense profiteroles.
- Ensure your baking sheet is lined to prevent sticking.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough pastries.
Helpful Tips
- Use a piping tip for precise filling.
- Experiment with different fillings like pastry cream or ice cream.
- For added texture, sprinkle with chopped nuts before baking.
- Chill the filled profiteroles before serving for a refreshing treat.
FAQs
What are profiteroles made of?
Profiteroles are made from choux pastry, which consists of flour, water, butter, and eggs. They are typically filled with cream and topped with chocolate sauce.
Can I make profiteroles in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry in advance and store it in the freezer. Fill and assemble them just before serving for the best texture.
How do I get my profiteroles to rise?
To ensure proper rising, bake them in a hot oven and avoid opening the door while they bake. The steam from the dough helps them puff up.
Can I use different fillings for profiteroles?
Absolutely! Profiteroles can be filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, ice cream, or even savory fillings like cheese mixtures for a unique twist.
What is the best way to serve profiteroles?
Profiteroles are best served fresh, drizzled with warm chocolate sauce or dusted with powdered sugar. They can also be garnished with fresh fruit.
Conclusion
Profiteroles are a timeless dessert that combines elegance with simplicity. With a light, airy texture and delightful fillings, they are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with flavors, these pastries are a must-try for any dessert lover!
Profiteroles
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Add flour and salt, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag.
- Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool completely before filling.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fill cooled profiteroles with whipped cream and top with chocolate ganache.