Name: filled with a rich cream cheese filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; Pinch of salt; 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold); 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe·5 from 20 reviews

If there’s one dessert guaranteed to elicit delighted smiles, it’s these delicate cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling. Imagine golden clouds of pastry, crisp on the outside and airy within, each one hiding a luscious surprise of tangy cream cheese and billowy whipped cream. Add a handful of fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, and you have a treat as beautiful as it is irresistible. These cream puffs are a celebration-worthy showstopper or a sweet pick-me-up, perfect for any occasion where you want to dazzle—and they’re much easier to make at home than you might think!

filled with a rich cream cheese filling Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient brings its own essential role: butter lends richness, eggs create structure, and that dreamy cream cheese filling is balanced by fresh raspberries and a flutter of powdered sugar.

Water: Creates steam inside the dough, helping the puffs rise tall and airy.
Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor for the pastry shells.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and enhances color.
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the choux pastry, giving it structure.
Large Eggs: Essential for puffing up the dough and giving it its signature texture.
Pinch of Salt: Balances flavors and enhances every component.
Cream Cheese (softened): The star of the filling, bringing luscious tang and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling & is ideal for a delicate dusting.
Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrant warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
Heavy Whipping Cream (cold): Whips up light and fluffy, folding seamlessly into the cream cheese.
Fresh Raspberries: Their tartness and color make the filling shine, both visually and in flavor.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Gives each puff a pretty, bakery-style finish.

How to Make Irresistible Cream Cheese Raspberry Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this sets you up for nonstick success. In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt, stirring as you bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, remove from heat and stir in the flour in one go, forming a smooth dough ball. Put the pan back on low heat and stir for a minute or two until the dough is thick, slightly shiny, and pulls away easily from the sides. This step is crucial for ensuring spectacularly puffed cream puffs.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Let the dough cool just enough that it won’t scramble the eggs—about five minutes is perfect. Beat in the eggs one at a time, working each in thoroughly before adding the next. At first, the mixture might look slippery or split, but persevere with mixing until it smooths out. The finished dough should hold a slight peak when you lift the spoon. This step guarantees your shells will be light and perfectly hollow, ready to cradle the luscious cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Puffs

Gently transfer your dough into a piping bag or use heaping spoonfuls if you prefer rustic puffs. Pipe or drop small rounds onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving plenty of room for rising. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching as they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden-brown. Resist the urge to open the oven while baking, as this keeps them from collapsing. Cool thoroughly on a rack—patience here preserves that beautiful crisp exterior.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

While the puffs cool, turn your attention to the filling that makes these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling utterly irresistible. In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fragrant vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff, pillowy peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This creates a filling that is cloud-like yet decadently tangy—perfect for sandwiching between puffs.

Step 5: Assemble and Fill

Now comes the magic. Slice each cooled puff horizontally with a sharp serrated knife. Pipe (or spoon) a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the base of each puff. Pop two or three fresh raspberries into the filling for a pop of color and zing. Cap each puff with its pastry “lid,” then finish with a lovely sprinkle of powdered sugar—your bakery-worthy, filled with a rich cream cheese filling masterpieces are ready to serve!

How to Serve Irresistible Cream Cheese Raspberry Cream Puffs

Garnishes

A light snowfall of powdered sugar instantly transforms these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling into an elegant dessert. For extra flair, add a few whole raspberries and fresh mint leaves on the plate or even a delicate chocolate drizzle. Every garnish not only adds to the visual beauty but introduces more texture and color to every bite.

Side Dishes

While these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling shine on their own, they pair beautifully with a small bowl of mixed fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a crisp glass of sparkling wine or raspberry lemonade. For a full dessert spread, offer alongside lemon bars or dark chocolate truffles—your guests will adore the contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by stacking the cream puffs in a pyramid for a stunning centerpiece, or serve in individual dessert cups with extra raspberries and a small dollop of the cream cheese filling on the side. You can even drizzle warm raspberry sauce over the tops or alternate the filling with different berries for a playful spin. There’s truly no wrong way to show off these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The filling will remain plush, but for best texture, wait to add the powdered sugar dusting until just before serving. If you plan to enjoy them later, keeping the shells and filling separate helps preserve the puffs’ crispness.

Freezing

To freeze, place the unfilled pastry shells in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then crisp up in a moderate oven for five minutes. Wait to make and add the luscious cream cheese filling until just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For a just-baked taste, reheat cream puff shells (unfilled) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until lightly crisped, then let cool before filling. If you’ve already filled them, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating—this brings out the full flavor and creaminess of the filling without compromising the delicate pastry shell.

FAQs

Can I use a different berry instead of raspberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, sliced strawberries, or blackberries all work wonderfully as a colorful, juicy contrast in these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling.

Why did my cream puffs deflate after baking?

Cream puffs can deflate if underbaked or if the oven door is opened during baking. Make sure your shells are deeply golden and firm to the touch before removing them, and always let them cool fully on a rack to preserve their shape.

Is it possible to make the Cream Cheese Raspberry Cream Puffs?

Yes, the filling for these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered, then give it a quick stir before piping into your cooled puffs.

What’s the best way to store assembled puffs?

Keep assembled cream puffs in the refrigerator, covered, but enjoy them within 24 hours for the freshest taste. If possible, fill them just before serving to maintain the pastry’s dreamy crispness.

Can I make mini cream puffs for parties?

Definitely! Just pipe smaller rounds of dough (about 1 inch wide) and bake for a slightly shorter time. Cute mini cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling are perfect for parties and sharing!

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dessert that wows in both taste and appearance, you simply can’t go wrong with these cream puffs filled with a rich cream cheese filling. They’re pure joy in every bite—light, luscious, and packed with fresh flavor. Go ahead and treat yourself; these are the kind of bakes that become beloved family traditions!