Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs Recipe

Delicately crisp on the outside and luxuriously creamy inside, these Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs are a bright and elegant dessert perfect for seasonal celebrations. Filled with a luscious lemon-flavored whipped cream and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, these cream puffs strike the ideal balance between tart and sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunches, bridal showers, or any occasion where a light, citrusy dessert is appreciated. The homemade choux pastry puffs are airy and golden, while the lemon cream filling brings a refreshing tang. It’s a bakery-quality treat made easily at home with common pantry ingredients. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Water

• Butter

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Lemon pudding mix

• Milk

• Heavy whipping cream

• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Stir in the flour all at once until a smooth ball forms.

3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

4. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

6. For the filling, whisk together the lemon pudding mix and milk until thickened. Fold in whipped cream until smooth.

7. Cut off the tops of the cooled puffs and fill with the lemon mixture. Replace tops and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

8. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 cream puffs

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Bake time: 30 minutes

• Total time: About 55 minutes

Variations

• Lemon-blueberry cream puffs: Add a spoonful of blueberry preserves inside each puff along with the lemon filling.

• Citrus blend: Use a mixture of lemon and orange pudding for a twist on the classic lemon flavor.

• Mini puffs: Pipe smaller rounds of dough for bite-sized cream puffs perfect for parties.

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill just before serving. The choux pastry shells can be baked and frozen (unfilled) for up to 1 month. To refresh the shells, bake in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What is choux pastry?

Choux pastry is a light dough made with butter, water, flour, and eggs. It’s used to make cream puffs, éclairs, and profiteroles.

Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving for the best texture.

Do cream puffs need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once filled with cream, they should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and safety.

Can I use homemade lemon curd instead of pudding?

Absolutely. Homemade lemon curd will provide a richer, tangier flavor.

How do I prevent my cream puffs from collapsing?

Make sure the puffs are baked until fully golden and firm, and let them cool in a slightly ajar oven to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Can I freeze filled cream puffs?

It’s best to freeze the shells unfilled. Cream fillings can separate after freezing and thawing.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, though homemade whipped cream yields better texture and flavor.

What can I do if my filling is too runny?

Chill the filling longer or whip in more cream to help it thicken.

How do I pipe the dough neatly?

Use a piping bag with a round tip for uniform shapes, or simply spoon the dough onto the sheet if you prefer a rustic look.

What other fillings can I use?

Vanilla or chocolate pudding, pastry cream, or even ice cream work well as alternatives.

Conclusion

Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs are an elegant and satisfying dessert that showcases the bright flavors of the season. Whether you’re serving them at a formal brunch or enjoying one with tea on a sunny afternoon, their crisp exterior and zesty filling will bring a smile to every face. This recipe combines ease with impressive results, making it a favorite for bakers of all skill levels.

Springtime Lemon Cream Puffs Recipe

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Light and airy cream puffs filled with a luscious lemon cream, perfect for springtime gatherings or desserts.

• Author: sarra
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from sides of pan.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
8. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in lemon curd.
9. Slice cream puffs in half and fill with lemon cream mixture.
10. Dust tops with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Use a piping bag for uniform cream puff shapes.
• Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Lemon curd can be made ahead and chilled.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cream puff
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: lemon cream puffs, spring dessert, lemon dessert, choux pastry, cream puff recipe