If you love cream puffs but don’t want to spend hours piping and filling them, then this Cream Puff Cake is the perfect dessert for you! It captures all the deliciousness of a traditional cream puff—a light, flaky pastry filled with rich vanilla cream and topped with chocolate—but in an easy-to-make cake form.
This fluffy, creamy, and decadent dessert is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you're craving something sweet. Best of all, it’s no-fuss, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require any fancy baking techniques. Let’s dive into this heavenly cream puff cake recipe that will leave everyone wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Puff Cake
✅ All the flavors of a cream puff in cake form
✅ Light, airy pastry base with rich vanilla cream filling
✅ Drizzled with chocolate for the ultimate indulgence
✅ Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties
✅ Easier than making individual cream puffs
Ingredients for Cream Puff Cake
For the Pastry Base:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Creamy Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping)
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
How to Make The Best Cream Puff Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Base
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully combined. The dough should be thick and smooth.
- Spread the dough evenly into the greased baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. The center may collapse slightly—that's normal!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the pudding mix and cold milk, then mix until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled pastry base.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and set.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle over the chilled cake for that classic cream puff touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Cream Puff Cake
✔️ Don’t overmix the dough – Stir in the eggs one at a time for a light, airy texture.
✔️ Chill before serving – This allows the cream filling to set perfectly.
✔️ Use real whipped cream – It adds a fresher, richer taste compared to store-bought whipped topping.
✔️ Customize the topping – Dust with powdered sugar or add crushed nuts for extra texture.
How to Serve Cream Puff Cake
🍰 As a Classic Dessert – Serve chilled with extra chocolate drizzle.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fruity twist.
☕ Paired with Coffee or Tea – The creamy, flaky texture pairs beautifully with hot drinks.
🍦 With Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes it even more indulgent.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the pastry base a day in advance and store it at room temperature, then add the filling before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I make this with chocolate pudding instead?
Yes! Swap the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix for a double chocolate cream puff cake.
❓ What if I don’t have a 9x13 pan?
You can use two 8x8-inch pans or a round springform pan, but adjust the baking time slightly.
❓ Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the filling.
❓ Why did my pastry deflate after baking?
It’s normal for the center to collapse slightly as it cools—that’s what makes room for the creamy filling!
Final Thoughts
This Cream Puff Cake is the ultimate flaky and creamy indulgence, bringing all the deliciousness of traditional cream puffs in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cake. With its light pastry base, creamy vanilla filling, and rich chocolate drizzle, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! 🍰✨
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Would you like any low-carb, keto, or gluten-free versions included? Let me know how I can customize this further! 😊
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