From My Kitchen
I've been making this dessert for years, and it has always been my husband's absolute favorite. Every Father's Day, birthday, or special occasion, this is the dessert he requests.
With a light cream puff crust, creamy vanilla filling, and fluffy topping, it tastes just like an éclair—but it's so much easier to make!
Ingredients
For the Cream Puff Crust
- 1 cup water
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
Note: I usually make 1½ times the crust recipe because we love a thicker, puffier crust.
For the Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 small boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute milk if preferred)
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip
Optional Topping
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour. Beat until mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Spread batter evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Allow crust to cool completely before adding filling.
Make the Filling
- Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and beat until completely smooth.
- Warm the milk and cream slightly (about 1 minute in the microwave so they are no longer ice cold).
- Add a small amount of the milk mixture to the cream cheese and beat until silky smooth.
- Add the pudding mixes.
- Slowly add the remaining milk and cream while mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the filling over the cooled crust.
- Cover the top with Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
- Drizzle with Chocolate syrup, if desired.
Notes
For a lump-free filling:
The secret is to beat the softened cream cheese first, then slowly add a little of the milk before adding the pudding mix and remaining liquid. Using milk that isn't ice cold helps create an extra smooth filling with no little cream cheese lumps.
For an extra-special dessert:
I often make 1½ times the crust recipe because my family loves the thicker cream puff layer.
Thank Him Anyway
Sometimes the sweetest memories aren't found in fancy desserts, but in the simple recipes we've made over and over for the people we love.
This Cream Puff Cake has been part of our family for years, and every time I make it, I'm reminded how grateful I am for ordinary moments around the table. The requests, the traditions, and the memories become some of life's greatest blessings.
No matter what season you're in, there's always something to thank Him for.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thank Him Anyway. ❤️