The Delightful Cream Puff Cake

Here’s a delightful recipe for a Cream Puff Cake:

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
6. Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffy.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. The crust will collapse as it cools, creating a perfect base for the filling.

Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mixes, cold milk, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes, or until thickened.
3. Gradually add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese, beating until smooth and well combined.
4. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.

Topping:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer.

Final Touches:

1. Drizzle chocolate syrup or melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration (optional).
2. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set.

Serving:

1. Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled.
2. Enjoy your delightful Cream Puff Cake!

This cake combines the light, airy texture of cream puffs with the creamy richness of a vanilla pudding and cream cheese filling, topped with fresh whipped cream and a touch of chocolate. Perfect for any special occasion or just because!