Description
Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs are a delightful fusion of classic pumpkin pie flavor and airy choux pastry. Filled with spiced pumpkin custard and topped with maple whipped cream, they offer an elegant yet approachable twist on traditional Thanksgiving dessert—perfect for impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients
For the shells:
-
95 g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
-
85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
-
1 tsp sugar
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
3 large eggs, room temperature
-
Orange food coloring paste (optional)
For the filling:
-
110 g (1/2 cup) packed brown sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
-
240 g (1 cup) canned pumpkin
-
120 ml (1/2 cup) evaporated milk
For the whipped cream:
-
360 ml (1.5 cups) heavy cream
-
A couple pinches of salt
-
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Powdered sugar to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare choux pastry:
Preheat oven to 425°F. In a saucepan, boil butter, sugar, salt, and water. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Return to stove and mix until dough forms a ball. -
Incorporate eggs:
Cool dough for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until glossy. Add food coloring if using. -
Shape and bake:
Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto lined sheets. Smooth tops with wet finger. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then 375°F for 30 minutes. Let sit in turned-off oven for 10 minutes. Cool completely. -
Make filling:
In a saucepan, whisk brown sugar, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Chill for 4 hours. -
Whip the cream:
Beat heavy cream and salt to soft peaks. Add maple syrup and vanilla, sweeten with powdered sugar if desired. Beat to stiff peaks. -
Assemble:
Slice puffs. Fill bottoms with pumpkin mixture, top with whipped cream, and close with tops. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Choux dough can look broken at first—keep mixing until smooth.
Chill pumpkin filling thoroughly for ideal texture.
Assemble right before serving to maintain crisp shells.
Unfilled shells freeze well and re-crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American