WHAT IS A PROFITEROLE, AND HOW IS IT MADE?
Similar to cream puffs, profiteroles are delicate, airy pastries made from choux pastry, a light dough made with butter, water, flour and eggs. During baking, they puff up, creating a hollow center ideal for various fillings. Depending on the filling, profiteroles can be sweet or savory, making them versatile treats for serving at different occasions or satisfying a sweet tooth. Read on for a decadent profiterole recipe, as well as filling and pairing tips.
WHAT IS A PROFITEROLE?
A profiterole is an airy French pastry made from choux pastry dough, filled with a sweet or savory delight and often topped with chocolate, powdered sugar, or a sauce of your choosing. Profiterole fillings vary by region. In the United States, profiteroles popularly contain ice cream, while in France, they are typically filled with sweet custards or savory mousse. Although similar to eclairs, which are oblong pastries filled with cream, profiteroles are typically round and smaller in size.
WHAT IS A PROFITEROLE CAKE?
A profiterole cake, often dubbed a “profiterole tower,” is an assembly of individual profiteroles stacked and held together with caramel or chocolate, also known as a croquembouche. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece, whether you’re hosting an intimate birthday or a backyard barbecue. Experiment with toppings like chopped hazelnuts and sprinkles, or layer with fruit for added flavor and flair.
HOW TO MAKE PROFITEROLES
Tempt your taste buds with this homemade profiterole recipe, which you can embellish with your choice of filling. Learn tips and techniques on how to make profiteroles with the help of a KitchenAid® stand mixer and get flavorful filling ideas, whether you’re in the mood for a savory appetizer or sweet delight.
YIELDS
8 to 12 servings
INGREDIENTS
Water
Butter
Salt
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Ice cream, whipped cream, custard or other fillings
Homemade sauce, such as chocolate
Toppings, as desired
TOOLS
KitchenAid® stand mixer
Saucepan
Pastry bag with a straight tip
Wooden spoon
Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
PREP TIME
25 minutes
BAKE TIME
25 minutes
TOTAL TIME
50 minutes
STEP 1: PREHEAT AND PREP
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, place water, butter and salt in a small saucepan. Once it boils, lower the heat and quickly add all the flour at once. Using a wooden spoon, stir vigorously until it takes the shape of a ball and you notice a slight sheen. Once it no longer sticks to the pan and pulls away easily, place it in a stand mixer bowl and allow it to cool down for about 4 minutes while mixing on low speed, so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added.
STEP 2: MIX AND BEAT
Using your KitchenAid® stand mixer and flat beater attachment, beat in the eggs one at a time on medium speed. Make sure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next egg. After all eggs are incorporated, continue mixing on medium for an additional 30 seconds.
If your dough is a bit dry, you can add some water a teaspoon at a time. The dough should have enough moisture to form a peak that slightly bends at the tip.
STEP 3: PIPE AND PREP
Put the mixture in a pastry bag with a large straight tip and pipe 1-inch balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. After piping each ball, wet the tip of your finger and even out the tops where the dough was released from the pastry bag. Make sure the balls are placed at least 1 inch away from each other, as they’ll puff up during baking.
STEP 4: BAKE
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the profiteroles are nicely golden. Next, turn your oven’s temperature down to 250ºF and bake the profiteroles for an additional 25 minutes. The interior should be dry and baked through. After 25 minutes, remove the sheet tray from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
STEP 5: FILL AND ENJOY
If you are not going to fill them immediately, you can store in them in an airtight container at room temperature.If you are waiting for another day to fill them, you can store them in the freezer in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, cut each puff in half horizontally and fill them with your choice of whipped cream, custard, ice cream or other filling. To elevate your profiterole dessert further, top with a warm chocolate drizzle or another sauce of your choice.
SHOP KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS FOR MAKING PROFITEROLES
PROFITEROLE FILLING IDEAS
Profiteroles can be filled with a variety of delicious options from sweet to savory. From classic whipped cream to a creamy garlic and herb spread, there’s no limit to the fillings you can explore. Some filling options include:
Chocolate mousse
Fresh raspberry and lemon cream
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Garlic and herb spread
TIPS FOR MAKING PROFITEROLES
To help the pastries maintain their shape in the oven, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before piping.
If your profiteroles are smaller, you can pipe the filling into them rather than cutting them horizontally.
Garnish your profiteroles with a mint leaf, citrus zest, parsley or anything else that complements their flavor.
- Don’t remove your choux pastry from the oven too early, or the shells may end up flat.
WHAT CAN YOU SERVE WITH PROFITEROLES?
Profiteroles offer a canvas for a wide range of culinary creativity. Whether you lean toward the sweet side or prefer savory, profiteroles are versatile pastries. A profiterole dessert can be served alongside fresh fruit or savory finger sandwiches for the perfect high tea service at home. These tasty filled puffs can also make a decadent breakfast when paired with the perfect cup of coffee.
Savory profiteroles can be used as a medium for dips such as a creamy artichoke dip or a warm cheesy crab dip. Pair savory bites with crisp apple slices or a smooth, pureed ginger carrot soup.
PROFITEROLE & CREAM PUFF RECIPES
Profiteroles and cream puffs are made with choux pastry and have a light, airy texture. Their delicate, hollow shells can be filled with your choice of ingredients. Try the recipes below to begin experimenting with sweet and savory fillings for choux pastry.
1. PROFITEROLES WITH SALTED CARAMEL ICE CREAM AND POACHED SPICED PEARS
Savor a blend of delightful flavors in this special dessert. This recipe brings together the lightness of choux pastry, the rich taste of salted caramel ice cream and the enticing aroma of spiced pears, creating a dessert that captivates your senses.
2. APPETIZER CREAM PUFFS
Elevate your canapé game with these Appetizer Cream Puffs. Like edible clouds, delicately crisp on the outside and irresistibly creamy within, Appetizer Cream Puffs are crafted from pâte à choux and filled with a creamy feta olive filling.
3. MOCHA CREAM PUFFS
Enjoy a delightful treat with these soft pastries filled with a special mocha-flavored cream. Light on the outside and rich on the inside, these puffs have a delicious contrast of flavors. The mocha cream offers a fusion of chocolate and coffee flavors, making it a simple yet satisfying dessert.
4. PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CREAM PUFFS
Pumpkin Chocolate Cream Puffs marry the flavors of Autumn spices and rich chocolate, offering a sensation of warmth and comfort. Break out this indulgent and cozy recipe for your fall festivities or when you just need a comforting creamy snack.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS, ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
Elevate your pastries and other baked goods with a KitchenAid® stand mixer. Use additional attachments1 such as the pastry beater to craft a delicate choux pastry or the ice cream maker to create delicious homemade ice cream to serve inside your cream puffs and profiteroles. Explore your creative side with the versatility of attachments.
1. Sold separately.
FIND MORE STAND MIXER RECIPES FROM KITCHENAID BRAND
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How to Make a Cake With a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Your stand mixer can help you explore cake recipes for every occasion. Learn how to use your KitchenAid® mixer for whipping up a delicious cake creation. -
How to Make a Pie Crust with a Stand Mixer Learn how to make homemade pie crust with a stand mixer. Follow this guide for easy homemade pie dough to inspire your next sweet or savory pastry. -
How to Make Ice Cream Learn how to make ice cream. All you need is milk, cream, sugar and vanilla. Follow our tips and tricks for your best homemade ice cream.
