Lemon Cream Puffs

Name: Lemon Cream Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 2 large fresh lemons (zested and juiced); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup heavy cream

Published: August 8, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Cream Puffs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
Their vibrant flavor profile combines sweet and tart elements that delight your taste buds
Visually stunning with their golden tops and creamy interiors, they make any dessert table pop
Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack or a show-stopping dessert at parties

Everyone raved about how light and refreshing they were at our last family gathering. For more inspiration, check out this refreshing lemonade punch recipe recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure in your cream puffs.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it helps enhance the flavors. brown butter rice krispie treats.
Water: Fresh water is essential for creating steam that helps puff up your pastry.
Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice fresh lemons for an authentic zingy flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t cut it.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance out the acidity of the lemons.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best for consistency.
Heavy Cream: Whipping cream adds richness and makes the filling beautifully silky.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Pastry Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Slowly stir in flour until it forms a ball that pulls away from the sides.

Add Eggs Gradually: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth. The dough should be glossy and able to hold its shape.

Scoop onto Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop even amounts of dough onto the sheet about 2 inches apart for even baking.

Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until puffs are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Don’t open the oven too soon or they might collapse!

Create Your Lemon Filling: While pastries cool, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix lemon juice and zest with sugar until dissolved, then fold into whipped cream gently.

Fill Your Puffs: Once cooled, cut a small slit in each puff’s side or top. Use a piping bag to fill them generously with lemon cream. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

With these steps completed, you now have beautiful Lemon Cream Puffs ready to impress friends and family! Enjoy every zesty bite! For more inspiration, check out this strawberry lemon pound cake recipe.

You Must Know

Lemon Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a hint of citrus zing
Perfect for parties, they can elevate any dessert table
The light, airy texture and refreshing flavor make them an instant crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone craving more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the perfect Lemon Cream Puffs, start by making the choux pastry first. While it cools, whip up your lemon cream filling. Finally, pipe the filling into the cooled puffs for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with flavors beyond lemon! Try adding orange zest or vanilla extract to your cream filling for a unique twist that will surprise your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store Lemon Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. light and airy meringue cookies Avoid freezing them; they lose their delightful texture when thawed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Incorporate a pinch of salt in your choux dough to enhance flavor depth
Always let your puffs cool completely before filling them to prevent sogginess
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a more vibrant flavor that truly shines through

Sharing my first batch of Lemon Cream Puffs is a cherished memory; my friends devoured them and declared me a “Pastry Wizard” that day!

FAQ

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Using store-bought puff pastry will not achieve the same texture as homemade choux pastry.

How can I prevent soggy puffs?

Let the puffs cool thoroughly before filling to avoid any moisture issues.

What can I substitute for lemon?

You can substitute lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist in your cream filling.