Gluten-Free Cream Puffs Recipe

Gluten-Free Cream Puffs Recipe might seem difficult to make, but with only five ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results. These gluten-free cream puffs are light and airy with a crispy exterior and a soft, hollow interior—ideal for filling with your favorite pastry cream or custard.

The French Origins of Cream Puffs

Cream puffs, also known as profiteroles or choux à la crème, originated in France. To create this classic French pastry, known as pâte à choux, you start by cooking flour in a mixture of water and butter until it forms a thick paste.

Then you beat in the eggs creating a soft dough that you can pipe using a piping bag or cookie scoop into small mounds. When baked, the dough expands, creating a light hollow shell, perfect for delicious fillings. 

The choux pastry is traditionally made with water; however, I wanted extra richness in this recipe, so I used milk. Both the water and milk work well in this cream puff pastry recipe.

Cream puffs became a tradition in our home during family gatherings because everyone loves them, even the pickiest eaters. There is nothing like a fresh homemade cream puff and always a crowd favourite.

Creative Filling Ideas for Your Cream Puffs

You can fill these light, puffy shells with a variety of delicious fillings. My personal favorite is a combination of whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices, but there are countless other options to explore.

For chocolate enthusiasts, consider a rich chocolate whipped cream or a decadent Nutella cream filling. If you prefer a classic approach, a traditional pastry cream is always a great choice.

3 popular gluten free cream puff fillings!

chocolate whipped cream filling (3 cups)

• 7 oz. GF semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3 cups whipping cream
• 6 Tbsp. sugar

Place the chocolate chips into a bowl and set them aside. Pour 1 ½ cups of the heavy cream into a small pot, and add the sugar in; place the pot over medium heat, and bring the cream mixture to the simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, and whisk to combine until the chocolate has melted. Set the melted chocolate mixture into the fridge for about 20 – 30 minutes to cool.

Once completely cooled, add the melted chocolate mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whip attachment. Add the remaining 1 ½ cups of cold whipping cream, and whip together on medium-high until the mixture becomes a fluffy whipped cream. Store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap until ready to use

Nutella cream filling (1 1/2 cups)

• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup Nutella

Whip the cream using an electric mixer until the cream forms stiff peaks. Beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Add the Nutella and beat until light and fluffy. Store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap until ready to use

Classic pastry cream for cream puffs ( 2 1/4 cups)

• 2 cups whole milk 
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt 
• 4 large egg yolks 
• 1/4 cup tapioca starch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

– Bring milk, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

– Whisk egg yolks, cornstarch, and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Whisking, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolk mixture. Gradually add the remaining milk mixture until incorporated. Pour mixture back into the saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat, whisking, until it begins to bubble in center and registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat

– Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add butter; beat on medium speed until the butter has melted and mixture has cooled about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold. Just before using, whisk by hand until smooth.

Creative Uses for Leftover Pastry Fillings

You can use leftover pastry fillings to enhance a variety of dishes. Try topping fresh berries with any extra filling, or use it to elevate your favorite pancakes, like these Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes. It also works beautifully on cupcakes, such as these Grain-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes. After all, you can never have too much delicious pastry filling!

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cream Puffs

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best rise, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. If you’re short on time, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5 minutes to quickly bring them to room temperature.
• Cool the Dough: Allow the dough to cool before adding the eggs to avoid cooking them prematurely.
• Incorporate Eggs Gradually: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough may initially appear separated, but it will come together as you add the last egg.
• Bake at the Right Temperatures: Start baking at 400°F to give the dough a quick rise, which creates the hollow interior of the puffs. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking.
• Avoid Opening the Oven: Keep the oven door closed during baking to prevent the cream puffs from deflating.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cream puffs from burning on the bottom.

What Not to Do When Making Gluten-Free Cream Puffs

• Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cream puffs. Mix the dough just until the eggs are fully incorporated.
• Don’t Underbake: Cream puffs need to bake long enough to set and dry out properly. Undercooking can result in soggy centers and collapsed puffs.
• Avoid Using Non-Stick or Oiled Baking Sheets: Cream puffs can stick or burn if not baked on parchment paper. Always line your baking sheet to prevent this issue.

Storage Tips for Cream Puffs

As with all gluten-free baked goods, cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be served cold or allowed to come to room temperature before serving.

Discover How Easy Cream Puffs Can Be

Cream puffs are simpler to make than you might think. Loved by everyone, they offer endless customization options since the flavor primarily comes from the filling. Once you master the art of making these gluten-free cream puff shells, this gluten-free French dessert is sure to become one of your favorites. Enjoy!

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Many thanks!

Kristina xx