Profiteroles are a classic French dessert that combines delicate choux pastry with a rich and creamy filling, typically topped with a decadent chocolate sauce. These delightful pastries are not only delicious but also impressive to serve, making them a perfect choice for special occasions or a treat at home. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will take you through the process of making profiteroles step by step.
Ingredients for Profiteroles
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)
How to Make Profiteroles
1. Preparing the Choux Pastry
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 4: Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly. The dough should be smooth and form a thin film on the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip or a spoon, pipe or drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake the choux pastry in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the pastry to collapse.
Step 8: Remove the profiteroles from the oven and immediately poke a small hole in the side of each one to release steam. This helps them maintain their shape. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Making the Filling
Step 9: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form.
Step 10: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Insert the tip into the hole of each cooled profiterole and fill them with the cream.
3. Preparing the Chocolate Sauce
Step 11: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup (if using). Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 12: Let the chocolate sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the filled profiteroles. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
About the Main Ingredients
Choux Pastry: Choux pastry, or pâte à choux, is a light and airy dough used in many classic French desserts. The key to a good choux pastry is the balance of moisture and dry ingredients, which creates the perfect texture when baked. The high moisture content in the dough generates steam, causing the pastry to puff up and become hollow inside, perfect for filling.
Whipped Cream Filling: The filling for profiteroles is traditionally a simple whipped cream, but variations can include pastry cream, ice cream, or even a savory filling for a unique twist. The whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the crispiness of the choux pastry.
Chocolate Sauce: The rich chocolate sauce is the finishing touch that makes profiteroles irresistible. Using quality chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy sauce with a deep, rich flavor. The addition of butter and cream creates a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the cream-filled pastries.
Profiteroles are a versatile dessert that can be customized in many ways, from the type of filling to the flavor of the sauce. This classic recipe is a great starting point, but don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Whether served at a special occasion or as a delightful treat, profiteroles are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
