Lemon Cream Puffs

Name: Lemon Cream Puffs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted); 4 large eggs; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; Zest of 2 lemons; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream (very cold); ½ cup powdered sugar

Published: August 1, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Cream Puffs are quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion
The combination of zesty lemon and creamy filling creates an explosion of flavor that everyone will love
Their charming appearance will make them the star of any dessert table
They are incredibly versatile; serve them at brunch or as an after-dinner treat!

Sharing these delightful pastries with friends always brings smiles and compliments, making gatherings extra special.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Water: Use filtered water for clean flavor; it helps in creating that light pastry dough.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for better control over saltiness in the final product. rich brown butter cheesecake.
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that perfect choux pastry texture; sifted is best.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are ideal here; they add richness and help with puffing.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch sweetens the pastry and balances the lemon flavor.
Lemon Zest: Fresh zest adds vibrant flavor; don’t skip this step!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances that zingy flavor profile; bottled won’t do justice.
Heavy Cream: Whipping cream adds velvety smoothness to the filling; be sure it’s very cold before whipping.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream without adding graininess—perfect for a silky finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Making Choux Pastry: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter until boiling.

Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in flour all at once until fully incorporated. It should form a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Allow it to cool slightly before whisking in eggs one at a time until fully blended—this builds that glorious airy structure.

Piping the Dough: Transfer your dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe about 1-inch rounds onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff. You can dip your finger in water and gently flatten peaks if desired.

Baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffs rise beautifully and turn golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking—this is crucial! Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly to let them cool gradually; this prevents deflation.

Whipping Up Lemon Filling: While your puffs cool down, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice while still whisking until you achieve stiff peaks—a creamy delight! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding recipe.

Filling Your Puffs: Using a small knife or piping bag fitted with a small tip, make a small hole in each cooled puff. Pipe in your heavenly lemon cream filling generously—don’t be shy!

Garnishing (Optional): For an added touch of elegance (or Instagram-worthy appeal), dust your finished Lemon Cream Puffs with powdered sugar right before serving. Add some lemon zest on top if you’re feeling fancy! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread recipe.

And there you have it—the ultimate recipe for Lemon Cream Puffs! Each bite promises zesty goodness paired with creamy richness that will leave you wanting more. Portuguese popovers recipe Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!

You Must Know

Lemon cream puffs are delightful, airy confections that marry zesty lemon with creamy filling
The perfect balance of sweet and tart will have your taste buds dancing
Remember, the secret is in the chilling time for the dough to ensure a light texture

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by making the choux pastry, then bake until golden before preparing the lemon cream filling. This method ensures both components are fresh and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Consider using a hint of vanilla in the cream or adding fresh berries inside each puff for an extra pop of flavor. These twists will elevate your dessert!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, enjoy them fresh, but you can re-crisp the shells briefly in a warm oven.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Achieving perfect lemon cream puffs requires practice and patience
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture
Always let your pastry cool completely before filling to prevent sogginess
A zester is your best friend when it comes to maximizing lemon flavor!

Sharing my first experience making lemon cream puffs still makes me smile; they disappeared faster than I could say “zesty delight,” leaving everyone asking for more.

FAQ

Can I make lemon cream puffs ahead of time?

You can prepare choux pastry in advance, but fill them just before serving for freshness.

What should I do if my cream puffs deflate?

Ensure your dough is cooked through; undercooked pastry can lead to collapse when cooling.

Can I freeze lemon cream puffs?

Yes, you can freeze unfilled shells; fill them after thawing for best quality and taste.

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