I love cream puffs. The light, fluffy pastry filled with sweet cream makes my mouth water. But sometimes, I can’t eat an entire batch of cream puffs in one sitting – what’s a girl to do? Freeze them, of course! In this blog post, I’ll explain how to freeze cream puffs so you can enjoy them later.
Can You Freeze Cream Puffs?
The answer is
Yes, you can freeze cream puffs! I like to flash freeze my cream puffs, so they keep their shape and don’t stick together. You can freeze them for two months, but the taste and texture will not be the same after two months.
The best way is to make a small portion and eat them as soon as possible to enjoy the creamy taste.
What are cream puffs profiteroles or choux made of?
Cream puffs, pate a choux are made from identical ingredients.
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt
- Water
- Eggs ( you can use replacements for eggs for vegans)
You can find a vegan cream puffs recipe here
These are the general ingredients for cream puffs. The flour, butter, salt, and water are heated until it forms into a ball. Then the eggs are whisked in one at a time. This mixture is put into a piping bag and small rounds onto a baking tray.
They are then baked until they are golden brown and puffed up. Once out of the oven, you make a small hole in the side of each puff and insert a piping bag filled with cream. Then, they are ready to be enjoyed!
How To Freeze Cream Puffs?
The best way to freeze cream puffs is here:
- Line a baking tray first with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the cream puffs on the baking tray, ensuring they’re not touching.
3. Place the tray in the freezer for about 2-3 hours, or until the cream puffs are frozen solid.
4. Once frozen, transfer the cream puffs to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
5. Label the bag or container with the date and put it back in the freezer.
When ready to enjoy your frozen cream puffs, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw. You can also thaw the cream puffs at room temperature, but it is not recommended. Fluctuations in temperatures may give a chance to bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning.
How to fix the choux if it is soggy after thawing?
If your puffs are soggy after thawing and you want to fix the texture, you can always heat them in an oven at 300° F for 5-6 minutes. Baking in the oven will give a texture to the pastry.
Don’t overdo the baking. Heat enough to bring back the texture.
Tips for freezing cream puffs to maintain the good texture:
Do not overcrowd the cream puffs while freezing. If you overcrowd, the cream puffs will stick to each other, and it will be difficult to separate later on.
Once they are frozen, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag. It will prevent drying out in the freezer.
Avoid thawing and refreezing the cream puffs. This will cause them to become stiff and dry.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cream puffs, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. You can also reheat the cream puffs in the oven, but be careful not to overcook them.
Can you freeze unfilled cream puffs?
You can freeze unfilled cream puffs, but I don’t recommend it. Unfilled cream puffs become hard and dry when frozen, so they’re not as enjoyable to eat. If you do decide to freeze them, make sure to thaw them at room temperature.
Can you freeze cream puffs filled with whipping cream?
Yes, you can freeze cream puffs filled with whipping cream. I recommend using a stabilized whipped cream so it doesn’t deflate when frozen. You can also use a pastry cream, which is a little more stable than whipped cream. If you’re using whipped cream, pipe it into the puffs just before serving, so it doesn’t deflate.
Can you freeze cream puffs filled with custard?
Yes, you can freeze cream puffs filled with custard. Custard is a little more stable than whipped cream, so it’s a good option for freezing.
How long can you freeze?
Cream puffs can last in the freezer for up to two months. After that, they start to lose their flavor and texture.
How to store choux other than freezing?
Cream puffs can also be stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, I don’t recommend keeping them at room temperature because they will become hard and dry. Also, there are chances of getting them bad.
How to serve cream puffs?
Cream puffs are best served fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven if you want. If you’re reheating them, make sure not to overcook them so they don’t become problematic. You can also freeze cream puffs and thaw them at room temperature.
Do cream puffs need to be refrigerated?
No, cream puffs don’t need to be refrigerated. They’re best served fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you’re going to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them.
I hope this guide was helpful on how to freeze cream puffs! If you have any questions or tips, feel free to comment below. Happy baking!
