Cream Puff Cake

Cream Puff Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of cream puffs with the simplicity of a sheet cake. A light and airy pastry crust is topped with a creamy pudding filling and a layer of whipped topping, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the best parts of cream puffs in an easy-to-make cake.
• Perfectly balanced layers of flaky crust, creamy filling, and fluffy topping.
• Great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• A no-fail dessert that looks impressive but is simple to prepare.
• Can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Butter
• Water
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs

For the Filling:

• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Milk
• Cream cheese (softened)

For the Topping:

• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

this recipe

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the butter and water to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
4. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
5. Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely.

For the Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the instant pudding mix and milk, beating until the mixture is thick and creamy.
3. Spread the filling over the cooled crust.

For the Topping:

1. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
2. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate if desired.

Chill:

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–16 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Cream Puff Cake: Use chocolate pudding mix for a chocolate version.
• Fruit Topping: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries on top of the whipped topping.
• Almond Cream: Add almond extract to the pudding mixture for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the crust.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed nuts over the whipped topping for added crunch.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Why did my crust deflate after baking?

The crust will puff up in the oven and may deflate slightly as it cools, which is normal.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can replace Cool Whip for a fresher flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead as the layers have time to set.

How do I prevent lumps in the filling?

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened and beat it well before adding the pudding mix and milk.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Absolutely! Chocolate, lemon, or butterscotch pudding mix work wonderfully.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but adjust the crust thickness and baking time accordingly.

Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, the cake is delicious without it, but the drizzle adds a classic cream puff touch.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve chilled with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use a pre-made crust?

For an easy shortcut, you can use a store-bought puff pastry sheet as the base.

Is this dessert very sweet?

The sweetness is well-balanced between the creamy filling, light whipped topping, and buttery crust.

Conclusion

Cream Puff Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its layers of flaky crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Try it once, and it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!

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