Cream Puff Cake
A Light, Custard-Filled Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth
If you’ve ever wanted to capture the magic of a cream puff in an easy, sliceable dessert—this Cream Puff Cake is exactly what you need. It takes all the elements you love about cream puffs (fluffy pastry, creamy filling, irresistible sweetness) and transforms them into a bake-and-layer beauty that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a Tuesday night treat.
Made with a simple choux-style base, rich vanilla pudding, and whipped cream cheese, it’s light, luscious, and totally addictive.
Why I Love This Recipe
Cream Puff Cake has that “wow” factor without the fuss. It starts with a pâte à choux–style crust that puffs in the oven, creating a golden, airy shell. Then you layer in a fluffy, creamy filling made from instant vanilla pudding and whipped cream cheese. The textures are spot on—light yet rich, airy yet decadent.
Even better? It’s make-ahead friendly, serves a crowd, and doesn’t require fancy decorating. A chill in the fridge and a dusting of powdered sugar is all it takes to make this beauty shine.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Base:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- Two (3.9 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 8 oz cream cheese, very soft
- 3 cups cold milk (for the pudding)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Chocolate drizzle or fruit compote (optional)
Substitutions & Notes
- Pudding Flavor: Swap vanilla for cheesecake or white chocolate flavor for a fun twist.
- Cream Cheese: Let it fully soften before mixing or it won’t blend smoothly.
- Milk: Use whole milk for extra creaminess, or dairy-free alternatives if needed.
- Toppings: A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but berries or chocolate drizzle like in this Oreo cream pie are great too.
How to Make Cream Puff Cake
- Make the Choux Base
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. - Add the Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy. - Bake the Shell
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and puffed. Let cool completely—it will deflate a bit and that’s normal. - Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Combine the two mixtures and mix until smooth. - Assemble
Spread the pudding mixture over the cooled crust. Chill for at least 1 hour to set. - Top & Serve
Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Cool the crust completely before adding the filling to avoid melting or sogginess.
- Use a hand or stand mixer to ensure the cream cheese and pudding are perfectly smooth.
- Chill thoroughly—this dessert gets better the longer it sets.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cream Puff Cake is light but indulgent, making it perfect for pairing with:
- A hot cappuccino or Brownie Batter Dip on the side for a dessert buffet
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color
- Serve alongside this banana pudding for the ultimate creamy dessert table
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- No Freezing: Due to the pudding and cream cheese, freezing can alter texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the crust and filling separately a day ahead, then assemble a few hours before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the creamy dessert train going with these hits from the site:
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – Creamy, dreamy, and dangerously easy
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert – A layered fall favorite
- Banana Pudding for a Crowd – A creamy classic
- Brownie Batter Dip – Pure chocolate indulgence
- Brownie Bombs – Over-the-top and totally worth it
Final Thoughts
Cream Puff Cake is one of those magical desserts that manages to feel both fancy and effortless. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you get a treat that’s light, creamy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, birthdays, or lazy weekend afternoons.
Try it out and let us know how it turned out! Share your creations with @chefmaniac or drop a comment below. And don’t forget to browse our collection of dreamy no-bake desserts and sweet showstoppers.
Happy baking! 🧁
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