Caramel Cream Puffs with Nut Topping

Introduction

Delicate, airy, and indulgent, these Caramel Cream Puffs with Nut Topping are pure dessert elegance. Light choux pastry shells are filled with velvety whipped cream, draped in glossy caramel sauce, and sprinkled with toasted nuts for the perfect crunch. Each bite offers layers of flavor and texture—crispy pastry, smooth cream, rich caramel, and nutty goodness. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive celebration, an elegant dinner party, or just to treat yourself, these cream puffs are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Shells (Choux Pastry)

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of salt

For the Nut Topping

• ½ cup chopped toasted nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Shells

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, and pipeable.

6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden. Let cool completely before filling.

2. Make the Whipped Cream Filling

1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small tip.

3. Fill each cooled puff by piercing the side and piping in the whipped cream.

3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted into a golden caramel.

2. Add butter and stir until fully incorporated.

3. Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble), and whisk until smooth.

4. Stir in a pinch of salt and let the sauce cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Drizzle each filled puff generously with warm caramel sauce.

2. Immediately sprinkle with toasted nuts so they adhere to the caramel.

3. Arrange the cream puffs on a serving platter and, if desired, finish with an extra drizzle of caramel for presentation.

Conclusion

These Caramel Cream Puffs with Nut Topping are bakery-worthy delights made in your own kitchen. The crisp pastry shells cradle a cloud of sweet cream, while the caramel and nuts add richness and crunch. Beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly simple, they make a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. Serve them fresh and watch them disappear in moments—this recipe is destined to become a show-stopping favorite.