Every time we bake these classic profiteroles, we’re reminded of cozy Sunday afternoons, laughter around the table, and that magical moment when the warm chocolate sauce hits the cool cream-filled pastry. These little puffs of heaven are deceptively light, delightfully crisp, and impossibly indulgent. Whether you’ve savored them at a fancy patisserie or have only heard the name whispered in dessert legends—today is the day we bring that joy into your own kitchen.
The aroma of freshly baked choux pastry, the luscious feel of whipped cream oozing from within, and the rich, glossy chocolate cascading down like silk—it’s not just dessert, it’s an experience. And it’s much easier than you think.
Preparation Time
Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Cooling & Filling: 40 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour 35 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Difficulty: Medium
Now let’s dive into the delicious details and prepare to fall in love with each bite.
Ingredients
The necessary ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations)
For the choux pastry:
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
For the filling (classic):
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate glaze:
4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or semisweet)
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra shine)
Before moving to the steps, here’s how to make it work for different dietary preferences.
Alternative Ingredient Options
Vegan version:
Replace butter with vegan margarine
Use a plant-based milk like oat or almond
Make a vegan whipped cream using coconut cream or aquafaba-based options
Use dairy-free chocolate for the glaze
Gluten-free version:
Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend designed for baking (with xanthan gum included)
Sugar-free version:
Replace powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol
Use sugar-free dark chocolate for the glaze
Now that we have all our beautiful ingredients ready, let’s go make some profiterole magic.
Steps
The steps of preparation (possible in all kinds of variations)
From my experience, this is where it all comes together. Follow each step, and your profiteroles will be perfect!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a light boil.
Once the mixture is bubbling, remove from heat and add all the flour at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms.
Return the pan to the heat and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until a film forms on the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Scoop or pipe small mounds (about 1½-inch wide) onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Wet your fingertip and smooth out any peaks to ensure even rising.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Do NOT open the oven early!
Once done, poke a small hole in each puff to release steam and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
In a cold mixing bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Slice each puff in half or fill them from the bottom using a piping bag.
For the glaze, heat the cream until just simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Add butter if desired.
Dip the tops of the filled profiteroles in the chocolate glaze or drizzle it over.
Serve immediately or chill for up to 3 hours (best fresh!).
Now that we’ve got our profiteroles beautifully plated, let’s talk about what makes them so good for you—yes, even desserts can have some benefits!
Nutritional Benefits
Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins B2 and B12.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Heavy cream (in moderation) offers calcium and fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
Homemade over store-bought means no preservatives, less sugar, and full control over your ingredients.
Gluten-free and dairy-free versions offer inclusive options for various dietary needs.
You’ve nailed the basics—but let’s talk about how to make this even more spectacular.
Possible Additions or Upgrades
Fill with pastry cream, ice cream, or lemon curd instead of whipped cream.
Top with crushed pistachios, hazelnuts, or sea salt for crunch and contrast.
Serve profiteroles as a croquembouche tower for parties or weddings.
Infuse whipped cream with rosewater, espresso, or orange zest.
Add a layer of raspberry jam inside each puff for a fruity surprise.
And now, let’s cover everything you might still be wondering about!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the choux pastry in advance?
Yes! You can store the raw dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze profiteroles?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked, unfilled puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
You can, but homemade whipped cream tastes fresher and more decadent.
My profiteroles deflated—what went wrong?
They may have been underbaked or steam wasn’t released. Be sure to poke them after baking.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Choux pastry needs an oven’s dry heat, so it’s best to avoid air fryers for this.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can spoon the dough onto the tray and use a ziplock bag with the tip cut off for filling.
How long do they last?
Filled profiteroles are best within 3 hours, but unfilled ones can last 2 days in an airtight container.
Is there a no-dairy filling option?
Yes! Coconut whipped cream or vegan whipping cream alternatives work well.
Can I add alcohol to the filling?
Yes! Try a splash of brandy, amaretto, or coffee liqueur for a grown-up twist.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, especially once filled with cream.
From my family kitchen to yours—this recipe never fails to wow. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to treat yourself mid-week, these profiteroles will melt hearts.
If you loved this recipe, please share it on social media, tag your foodie friends, and help spread the joy of baking!
