Mocha Cream Puffs

Mocha Cream Puffs Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Mocha Cream Puffs are a delightful and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate in a light and airy pastry shell. These cream puffs are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

History

Cream puffs have been a popular dessert for centuries, with origins dating back to the 16th century in France. The addition of mocha flavoring to the traditional cream puff recipe adds a modern twist to this classic dessert.

Ingredients

0.75 cup water
1 tbsp instant coffee
3 tbsp butter
0.13 tsp salt
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs

Mocha filling

1 tsp instant coffee
4 oz (113 g) low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
4 oz (113 g) light whipped dessert topping

How to prepare

Puff Pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Coat an extra large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, coffee crystals, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously.
Cook and stir until a ball forms that doesn't separate.
Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition until smooth.
Drop the mixture into 20 small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until brown.
Cool the puffs on a wire rack.
Split the puffs and remove the soft dough from the insides.
Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip or a spoon, pipe or spoon the mocha filling into the cream puff bottoms.
Add the cream puff tops.

Mocha filling

In a medium bowl, combine half of an 8 oz (227 g) carton of low-fat vanilla yogurt, 2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tsp of instant coffee crystals.
Fold in half of an 8 oz (227 g) container of thawed light whipped dessert topping.
Cover and chill the mixture until serving time.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of the cream puffs for an extra touch of chocolate flavor.
Experiment with different flavored yogurts or whipped toppings for a unique twist on the mocha filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the eggs into the dough one at a time to ensure a smooth and light texture.

- Use a pastry bag fitted with a star tip for a professional-looking presentation when piping the mocha filling into the cream puffs.

- Allow the cream puffs to cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mocha Cream Puffs as a sweet ending to a dinner party or special occasion. Pair with a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and airy cream puffs is to beat the dough vigorously and to bake them until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have instant coffee on hand, you can use brewed coffee or espresso in place of the coffee crystals in both the pastry and filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cream puffs and mocha filling ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cream puffs on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mocha Cream Puffs with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delicious combination of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mocha Cream Puffs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mocha Cream Puffs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mocha Cream Puffs contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mocha Cream Puffs contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mocha Cream Puffs are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Mocha Cream Puffs contain eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Mocha Cream Puffs are a delicious dessert option that is moderate in calories and contains a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

Mocha Cream Puffs are a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of coffee and chocolate in a light and airy pastry shell. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and stained, a testament to the countless meals that had been prepared using its recipes. As I flipped through the book, my eyes landed on the page with the heading "Mocha Cream Puffs." My mouth watered just reading the ingredients list: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, coffee, and cream. It sounded like a dreamy combination of flavors that I knew would make for a decadent dessert.

I had never made cream puffs before, let alone ones infused with coffee flavor. But I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the butter and sugar together, the sweet aroma filled the air. I added the flour and eggs, watching as the dough came together into a smooth, silky ball. I then piped the dough onto a baking sheet, forming perfect little mounds that would soon puff up in the oven.

While the cream puffs baked, I brewed a strong pot of coffee to use in the filling. The scent of the coffee wafted through the kitchen, mixing with the buttery aroma of the baking pastries. Once the cream puffs were golden brown and puffed up, I let them cool before carefully slicing them in half and filling them with the coffee-flavored cream.

As I took my first bite of the mocha cream puff, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors dancing on my tongue. The crisp pastry shell gave way to the creamy, coffee-infused filling, a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, a dessert that I would be proud to serve to family and friends.

Over the years, I have made these mocha cream puffs countless times, each batch turning out more delicious than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of making these decadent pastries. And each time I bake them, I am transported back to that first moment when I discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook. It reminds me of the joy of cooking, of experimenting with new flavors and techniques, and of the love that goes into creating something special for the ones we care about.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make mocha cream puffs, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to carry on the culinary traditions of my family. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to show them how much I care through the food that I prepare. And in the case of these delicious cream puffs, I am grateful for the chance to share a little piece of my heritage with those around me.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new dessert to try, I urge you to give these mocha cream puffs a chance. Let the aroma of coffee and butter fill your home, let the flavors of sweetness and richness dance on your tongue. And as you take that first bite, remember the story of how this recipe came to be, and the love that went into creating it. Happy baking!