Decadent Chocolate Almond Cream Puffs
Indulge in these irresistible chocolate cream puffs, filled with a luscious almond cream that's both rich and elegant. Perfectly puffed and delightful, these treats serve as an exquisite dessert option for special occasions or casual gatherings. Prepare them ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to chill, making them the ideal accompaniment to your evening coffee or a glass of brandy. With their beautiful presentation and decadent taste, these cream puffs are sure to impress your guests and leave them longing for more.
12
Servings
225
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Almond Paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Half-and-Half
1 1/4 cups (divided)
Sugar
1/2 cup (for almond cream; 2 tablespoons for puffs)
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Egg Yolks
2 (lightly beaten)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for almond cream; 1/2 cup for puffs)
Water
1 cup (none)
Flour
1 cup (none)
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Eggs
4 (large)
Confectioners' Sugar
to taste (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
1
MAKING THE ALMOND CREAM: In a non-reactive saucepan, combine the almond paste, 1 cup of half-and-half, and sugar. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve the almond paste, then place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix the egg yolks, cornstarch, and the remaining 1/4 cup of half-and-half until well combined.
3
Once the almond mixture is simmering, slowly add some of the hot liquid to the egg mixture to temper it, whisking constantly. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the hot almond liquid.
4
Return the saucepan to medium heat and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Transfer to a bowl, cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and cool completely in the refrigerator before using.
5
PREPARING THE CHOCOLATE PUFFS: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
6
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1/2 cup butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Heat over medium until the butter is melted.
7
Add the flour and cocoa powder all at once to the saucepan, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the dough, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
9
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop or pipe 1/4 cup portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 30-40 minutes until puffed and firm. Allow to cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
10
ASSEMBLY: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the chilled almond cream. Pierce the side of each cooled chocolate puff and gently squeeze the almond cream inside until full, finishing with a swirl as you remove the tip. Alternatively, slice the puffs in half horizontally, fill with cream, and reassemble like a sandwich.
11
Place the filled cream puffs on a decorative platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap and dust generously with confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
25g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Almond Cream Puffs?
They are rich, elegant dessert puffs made with cocoa-flavored dough and filled with a luscious, chilled almond cream filling.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the primary filling for these puffs?
The filling is a homemade almond cream made from almond paste, half-and-half, sugar, and egg yolks.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the puffs need to bake?
The chocolate puffs should bake for 30 to 40 minutes until they are puffed and firm.
Can these cream puffs be made ahead of time?
Yes, they are ideal for preparing ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the almond cream to properly chill.
How do you prepare the almond cream filling?
You combine almond paste, half-and-half, and sugar in a saucepan, then whisk in a tempered egg yolk and cornstarch mixture until thickened.
What is the purpose of tempering the egg yolks?
Tempering involves slowly adding hot liquid to the eggs to raise their temperature gradually, preventing them from curdling when added to the saucepan.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the almond cream?
Cover the cream directly with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent a skin from developing.
How do you know when the chocolate dough is ready on the stove?
The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a solid ball.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the puff dough?
Eggs should be incorporated one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
What size portions should be placed on the baking sheet?
The dough should be dropped or piped into 1/4 cup portions.
How much space should be left between the puffs on the tray?
Space the dough portions approximately 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one cream puff?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you fill the puffs after baking?
You can either pierce the side and pipe the cream inside or slice them in half horizontally and fill them like a sandwich.
What should be done just before serving?
Remove the plastic wrap from the platter and dust the puffs generously with confectioners' sugar.
What type of cocoa is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is included in the ingredients.
What kind of dairy is used for the cream?
The recipe uses 1.25 cups of half-and-half.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
Four large eggs are required for the puff dough.
What is the prep for the almond paste?
No specific prep is needed; it is combined and whisked with the liquid in a saucepan.
How long should the cream be boiled?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, cook it for 2 to 3 minutes while whisking constantly.
What tool is used to mix the dough?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the dough vigorously.
How should the puffs be cooled?
The baked puffs should be placed on a wire rack to cool to room temperature before filling.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant presentation and decadent taste make it perfect for parties and special events.
What tip is suggested for piping the cream?
A star tip is recommended for filling the puffs or creating decorative swirls.
What should the baking sheet be greased with?
The baking sheet should be lightly greased with cooking spray.