Cream Puff Cake
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This Cream Puff Cake is a light and fluffy dessert that just might become your new favorite sweet recipes for spring and summer.
Cream Puff Cake:
Happy Monday, friends. I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the week than with this Cream Puff Cake.
I have wanted to share this recipe with you for quite some time, so I’m thrilled to finally post it on IBC. (It would be excellent to serve for Easter should you need a new or different dessert recipe.)
This cake goes back almost 20 years. I first tasted it when I worked as a waiter at a little cafe in my hometown. The cake was one of my favorite menu items.
It’s light and simple to make, but don’t let that fool you. It’s oh-so-good! I probably haven’t had a piece of this cake in 15 years, so I was extremely excited to whip it up.
How to Make Cream Puff Cake:
If you’ve ever had a cream puff, this recipe certainly lives up to its name. It is loaded with filling. (No complaints here!) And the crust of the cake is light, yet rich and chewy. – I know that may not be the best way to describe a crust, but I mean chewy in the best possible way.
The crust bakes up similar to a Dutch baby (German) pancake. It will puff up and rise at the sides. That is what you want.
The filling is a combination of vanilla pudding and cream cheese, and the cake is topped with Cool Whip.
Although normally I would suggest homemade whipped cream, Cool Whip is the way to go with this dessert. That’s how they made it 20 years ago, so that’s what I know and love.
Once you’ve assembled everything, just pop the cake into the fridge and you’re good to go. What I also love about this recipe is that you can make it one or even two days in advance, and it will taste just as good.
The combination of flavors is yummy, and the crust is killer. I am partial to the corner and edge pieces, but any slice is delicious.
You could certainly dress this up with fruit or a drizzle of chocolate, however, I think it’s perfect as is. Since it’s served cold, it makes a great option for spring and summer. No matter when or how you serve it, enjoy!
Looking For More Spring Desserts? Check Out these:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Berry Swirled Meringues
- The Ultimate Coconut Cupcakes
- Mason Jar Cherry Supremes
- Carrot Cake Truffles
- Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
So good, right?
And simple to make as well. You’ve got this one. Give this Cream Puff Cake recipe a try, and let me know what you think.
As always, happy baking!
Cream Puff Cake Recipe:
Cream Puff Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 4 eggs
- 2 packages (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 3 packages (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups milk
- 12 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with baking spray and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Then add the butter and bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until it is just combined and forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. After the final egg addition, continue to mix on high for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the dough to the prepared baking dish. Spray your fingertips with some baking spray and then gently press the dough into an even layer on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The dough will rise, especially up the sides of the pan. Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk. Set aside. In the bowl of stand mixer, beat the cream cheese 3-4 minutes until it is smooth. Then mix in the prepared pudding mix. Beat 3-4 minutes until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese and pudding mixture into an even layer on the cooled crust. Then top with a layer of whipped topping. Chill overnight or for 2-3 hours before serving
Michael: Do you think I could divide the recipe into two 8 x 8 pans. I’d keep one and give the other one away? If so, how would I adjust the cooking time? Love your blog!
That sounds interesting. I’ve never tried this but I assume it could be done. Two 8x8s don’t exactly equal one 9×13. If you try this, I’ve love to hear about your results.
xo Michael
Perfect timing! I need a dessert to take for an annual dinner party we go to, and this sounds perfect! Thanks
Oh Michael. I had to get a couple of napkins to wipe my drooling mouth, after looking at this yummy-yummy dessert. Thank you for sharing, and I can hardly wait to make and eat.