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Homemade Cream Puff Pie photo

Cream Puff Pie

This Cream Puff Pie is a dreamy dessert with a crispy choux crust, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache—perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chocolate, Cream Puff, Easy, Make Ahead, Pie, Pudding
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream for filling
  • 1 cup milk preferably whole or 2%
  • 1 package instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix 5.1 oz
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream for topping
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Choux Pastry

  • In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Add the Eggs

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Bake the Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the choux pastry into a 9-inch pie dish, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

Make the Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined.

Assemble the Cream Puff Pie

  • Once the crust is completely cooled, fill it with the creamy pudding mixture, spreading it evenly.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

  • In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Top the Pie

  • Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the filled pie. For an extra touch, whip 3/4 cup heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread this whipped cream on top of the pie for decoration.

Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate the Cream Puff Pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set. Slice and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness!

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Piping Bag
  • 9-inch Pie Dish

Notes

  • Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the choux pastry.
  • Do not open the oven door while baking the choux pastry, as this can cause it to deflate.
  • For an added crunch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts over the chocolate ganache before serving.
  • Let the pie chill overnight for the best flavor and texture combination.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.