Cream Puff Cake: A Light and Delicious Dessert You’ll Love

If you love the delicate, airy texture of cream puffs but want the ease of a cake, this Cream Puff Cake is the perfect dessert for you. It combines a light and fluffy choux pastry base with a rich, creamy filling and a luscious chocolate drizzle on top. The result is an elegant yet simple dessert that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this cake offers the best of both worlds—decadence and lightness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Light & Fluffy: A crisp choux pastry base paired with a velvety cream filling.
✅ Easy to Make: No need for piping individual cream puffs—this cake delivers the same delicious flavors with less effort.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a delightful after-dinner treat.
✅ Customizable: Adjust the filling and toppings to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry Base:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 1 package (3.4 oz) sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup light whipped topping

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry Base

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
3. Let the dough cool for a couple of minutes, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. The center may deflate slightly—this is normal!

Prepare the Cream Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add the milk and continue mixing until well combined.
3. Add the pudding mix and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture thickens.
4. Fold in the light whipped topping until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Cake

1. Once the pastry base has cooled, spread the cream filling evenly over the top.
2. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate.
3. If desired, lightly dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

Chill & Serve

1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to set.
2. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Cool the Pastry Completely: Let the choux pastry base cool fully before adding the cream filling to prevent melting.
• Use Sugar-Free Options: Opt for sugar-free pudding mix and chocolate syrup for a lower-sugar version.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
• Customize the Toppings: Add fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a light caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

Why This Recipe Works

• Classic Flavors, Simplified: No need to shape and fill individual cream puffs—this cake makes it easy to enjoy that same delightful taste.
• Balanced Sweetness: The light vanilla filling and dark chocolate topping complement each other perfectly.
• Perfect Texture: The airy pastry base contrasts beautifully with the creamy, smooth filling.
• Lower in Calories: With smart ingredient swaps, this version is lighter than traditional cream puff desserts.

This Cream Puff Cake delivers all the flavors and textures of a classic cream puff in an easy-to-make cake form. With a crisp yet tender choux pastry base, a silky vanilla filling, and a rich chocolate drizzle, it’s an indulgence that feels both elegant and effortless.

Enjoy this delightful dessert as a centerpiece for your next gathering, or simply treat yourself to a slice of creamy, chocolatey perfection!