Preparing the Dough (Choux Pastry Base)
1.Boiling the Base
Combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of butter, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter is melted, and the mixture begins to boil.
2.Incorporating the Flour
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the boiling mixture and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
Cooling the Dough
Allow the dough to cool for approximately 10 minutes to avoid scrambling the eggs when added. Cooling is essential for achieving a smooth, satin-finished dough.
3. Adding the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Use an electric mixer for better results.
By the end, the dough should be thick and have a slight sheen.
Baking the Pastry
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to bake:
1. Preparing the Pan
Grease a 9×13″ baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Spreading the Dough
Transfer the dough into the pan and spread it evenly, pressing it out to cover the entire surface.
3. Initial High-Temperature Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 15 minutes. This high heat helps the dough to puff up.
4. Piercing and Reducing Heat
After 15 minutes, use a knife to prick the puffed center in about 15 places to release trapped air. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
5. Cooling the Pastry
Once baked, allow the pastry to cool in the pan for 30–45 minutes before adding the filling. Proper cooling prevents the filling from melting or sliding.
Making the Cream Filling
The filling is the heart of the Cream Puff Cake. Here’s how to achieve a velvety finish:
1. Softening the Cream Cheese
Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Gradually add the cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
2. Mixing the Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 small boxes (3.9 oz each) of instant vanilla pudding and 3½ cups of milk. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens slightly.
3. Combining the Mixtures
Slowly incorporate the pudding mixture into the cream cheese, mixing on low speed initially and gradually increasing to high speed. Beat until the filling is thick and smooth.
Assembling the Cream Puff Cake
The assembly process brings all the elements together into a dessert masterpiece. Follow these simple steps:
1. Layering the Filling
Once the pastry base has cooled completely, pour the cream filling over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
2. Adding the Whipped Topping
Spread 8 ounces of defrosted whipped topping (Cool Whip) over the cream filling. For a smooth finish, use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
3. Drizzling Chocolate Syrup
Drizzle ¼ cup of chocolate syrup over the whipped topping in a decorative pattern. Create swirls or zig-zags for an artistic touch.
4. Optional Garnishes
For added flair, sprinkle chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or crushed nuts on top. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, also pairs beautifully.
