Ingredients

Cracklin Topping

100 grams sugar
100 grams soft butter
110 grams flour
optional: 2-3 grams food coloring
We recommend:
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
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(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For soft butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Almond Paste Pail, 9LB (Pack of 1)
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(2) Hoosier Hill Farm Almond Paste Pail, 9LB (Pack of 1) $79.99 View details Prime Duncan Hines Creamy Buttercream Frosting, 16 OZ Can (Pack of 8)
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(8,164) Duncan Hines Creamy Buttercream Frosting, 16 OZ Can (Pack of 8) $15.36 View details Prime Rich's Allen Country White Buttercream Icing ZTF, 28 Pound (Pack of 1)
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For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
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(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details
For food coloring:
Prime Ann Clark Professional Grade Food Coloring Gel Large 4.5 oz Bottles 12 Color Set Made in USA
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(5,353) Ann Clark Professional Grade Food Coloring Gel Large 4.5 oz Bottles 12 Color Set Made in USA $74.99 View details Food Coloring AmeriColor Student - Kit 12 .75 Ounce Bottles Soft Gel Paste Colors
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(6,850) Food Coloring AmeriColor Student - Kit 12 .75 Ounce Bottles Soft Gel Paste Colors $32.25 View details Prime Wilton 8-Count Icing Colors for Cakes & Cupcakes, Gel-Based Colors for Frosting - Note that Packaging May Vary
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(8,263) Wilton 8-Count Icing Colors for Cakes & Cupcakes, Gel-Based Colors for Frosting - Note that Packaging May Vary $12.75 View details

Choux Pastry

77 grams butter
112 milliliters water
63 milliliters milk
4 grams sugar
4 grams salt
100 grams flour
160-180 grams eggs (check consistency)
We recommend:
For butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
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(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB
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For milk:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
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Cream Cheese Frosting

200 grams cream cheese
200 milliliters heavy cream (33%)
50 grams sugar or powdered sugar
We recommend:
For cream cheese:
Prime Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8)
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For heavy cream:
Prime Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor
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For powdered sugar:
Prime Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1)
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Instructions

Step 1

Make the Cracklin Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine 100 grams of sugar, 100 grams of soft butter, and 110 grams of flour. If desired, add 2-3 grams of food coloring to give it a vibrant appearance.

After rolling out the mixture, it is essential to chill or freeze it thoroughly. Working quickly, ensure the topping is ready before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 2

Prepare the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan, combine 77 grams of butter, 112 milliliters of water, and 63 milliliters of milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in 4 grams of sugar and 4 grams of salt.

Remove from heat and add 100 grams of flour at once, mixing vigorously until a smooth dough forms. Allow it to cool briefly before incorporating 160-180 grams of eggs, adjusting the amount based on the desired consistency of the dough.

Step 3

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine 200 grams of cream cheese and 200 milliliters of heavy cream. Add 50 grams of sugar (or powdered sugar) to the mixture.

Start mixing on low speed and gradually increase to medium. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until a thick consistency forms.

Step 4

Assemble the Pastries

Once your choux pastry is baked and cooled, fill them with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate the pastries to your liking with the cracklin topping and any additional garnishes you prefer.

Enjoy your delicious pastries and share them with loved ones. Bon appétit!

Servings

Serve your Crackling Cream Puffs on a beautiful tray, arranged in a delightful pyramid formation to catch the eye. For a touch of elegance, dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also pair these pastries with a rich chocolate sauce or fresh berries for a vibrant contrast. 🫶✨

Don’t forget to invite friends over for a picnic to share your delicious treats! Imagine lounging on a blanket beneath a tree, smiles all around as everyone savors each bite. Such moments are made even sweeter with the crunch of these puffs!

And if you're looking to elevate the ambiance, consider serving these pastries with hot chocolate or coffee! The warm beverages complement the creamy filling perfectly, making for a delightful afternoon snack. ☕🍰

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Choose a large mixing bowl to accommodate all your ingredients easily. Opt for one made of glass or stainless steel for easy cleaning.

We recommend:
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Whisk

A sturdy whisk will help you combine ingredients efficiently. For best results, consider a balloon whisk for aerating your batter.

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
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Pastry Bag and Tips

A piping bag with a star tip is ideal for shaping your cream puffs. Use disposable bags for convenience and easy cleanup.

We recommend:
Prime best seller Riccle Piping Bags and Tips Set, 11.8 Inch 100 Anti Burst Piping Bags, 124 Pcs Cake Decorating Kit with 16 Piping Tips, 1 Reusable Pastry Bags, 3 Cake Scrapers, 2 Couplers, and 2 Icing Bags Ties
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Baking Sheet

Line it with parchment paper for a non-stick surface to ensure perfect baking. Silicone mats are also a great eco-friendly option!

We recommend:
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Variations

Want to make this treat a bit different? Here are some exciting variations just for you! 🤩

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend! Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for good structure, ensuring your cream puffs stay light and airy. 🌾❌

Vegan Version: Replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for an egg-free alternative. Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in your frosting for a deliciously dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy! 🥑💚

Faq

  • What should I do if my pastry isn't puffing up?

    Check your oven temperature; it needs to be hot enough to create steam quickly. Also, make sure to thoroughly combine the batter until it’s smooth.

  • Can I prepare the dough in advance?

    Yes! You can prepare the pastry dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a good stir before filling your pastry bag!

  • How can I prevent my cream from deflating?

    Make sure your cream and cream cheese are very cold before whipping. Gradually increase the speed and whip until it holds stiff peaks.

  • What’s the best way to store leftover pastries?

    Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a day or two for the best texture.

  • Can I freeze these pastries for later use?

    Absolutely! Freeze the baked cream puffs and thaw them at room temperature before serving. Fill them right before enjoying to keep them crispy.

  • What can I substitute if I don't have cream cheese?

    You can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Nutrition facts

Choux Pastry with Cracklin Topping Recipe
Recipe Yield:12 pastries
Calories:Approximate calorie range per pastry.
Calories (Min - Max):300 - 400
Total Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:12g
Protein:4g
Total Carbohydrate:30g
Total Sugars:15g