Famous Cream Puffs Recipe: A Classic Dessert Made Easy

If you think decadent desserts are off-limits on Weight Watchers, think again! These Famous Cream Puffs are a game-changer—light, airy, and filled with a luscious, guilt-free cream filling. Perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or a sweet treat any day of the week, these cream puffs will satisfy your cravings without the calorie overload.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low SmartPoints: Indulge in a classic dessert for just 3 points per puff.
• Surprisingly Simple: Made with pantry staples and a foolproof method.
• Customizable: Swap fillings or toppings to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for entertaining—no one will guess they’re Weight Watchers-friendly!

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup (4 tbsp) light butter (e.g., Land O’Lakes Light Butter)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup almond flour (for a lighter texture)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1 (1 oz) box sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup light whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip Lite)
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Dusting of powdered sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve Confectioners)
• Fresh berries (0 points)
• Melted dark chocolate drizzle (add 1 point per tsp)

Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil Butter and Water: In a saucepan, combine water and light butter. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.
3. Mix Flours: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt.
4. Form the Dough: Once the butter mixture boils, remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour mixture. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the pan.
5. Add Eggs: Let the dough cool slightly (2-3 minutes). Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is glossy.

Bake the Puffs

1. Pipe or Spoon Dough: Drop 12 equal mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 1.5 tbsp each). Smooth peaks with a wet finger to ensure even rising.
2. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven during baking—this prevents collapse!
3. Cool: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the puffs cool inside for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pudding mix, almond milk, and vanilla (if using). Mix until thickened.
2. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in light whipped topping until fluffy. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Fill the Puffs: Once cooled, slice off the top third of each puff. Pipe or spoon the filling into the center. Replace the tops.
2. Add Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar substitute, add berries, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.

Nutritional Information

(Per cream puff, without optional toppings)

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW SmartPoints: 3

Tips for Success

• Perfect Puffs: Ensure your dough is smooth and glossy before baking. Undermixing can lead to dense puffs.
• Avoid Substitutions: Stick to light butter and almond milk—regular versions add unnecessary points.
• Make Ahead: Bake the shells up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Fill just before serving.
• Get Creative: Use sugar-free chocolate pudding mix for a chocolate filling, or add lemon zest to the cream for a citrus twist.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

Traditional cream puffs can clock in at over 10 points each due to heavy cream, full-fat butter, and sugary fillings. This version slashes points by:

• Using light butter and almond flour to reduce saturated fat.
• Swapping heavy cream for a mix of fat-free cream cheese and light whipped topping.
• Opting for sugar-free pudding mix to keep sweetness without added sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Elegant Dessert Plate: Serve with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce.
• Brunch Favorite: Pair with a fruit salad or WW-friendly quiche.
• Holiday Hit: Fill with pumpkin-spiced pudding during fall!

Famous Cream Puffs are proof that you can enjoy life’s little luxuries while staying committed to your wellness journey. With their crisp shell, cloud-like filling, and endless customization options, these treats are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, these cream puffs deliver all the joy of dessert—minus the guilt.