Cream puffs are a popular pastry that are enjoyed around the world, but their origin can be traced back to France in the 16th century.
Legend has it that cream puffs were invented by a French chef named Pantanelli during the 16th century reign of King Henry II. The story goes that Pantanelli was working in the kitchen of Catherine de’ Medici, the queen consort of France, when he accidentally created the first cream puff by adding too much flour to a pastry dough. Rather than discarding the dough, he baked it anyway and filled the resulting puff with a mixture of whipped cream and pastry cream. The cream puff was an instant hit, and it quickly became a popular dessert in France and beyond.
Over time, the recipe for cream puffs evolved, with different variations appearing in different countries. In Italy, for example, cream puffs are called “bignè” and are often filled with chocolate or vanilla cream. In the United States, cream puffs are sometimes referred to as “profiteroles” and are often served drizzled with chocolate sauce.
In Japan, cream puffs have been adapted and modified to suit Japanese tastes. Japanese-style cream puffs, also known as “choux cream” or “shu cream,” are typically smaller and more delicate than their French counterparts, with a lighter, airier pastry shell and a creamier, whipped filling made from a combination of custard and whipped cream.
- Today, cream puffs remain a popular dessert around the world, enjoyed by pastry lovers of all ages. Whether filled with classic vanilla cream, flavored with chocolate or matcha, or served alongside a scoop of ice cream, cream puffs are a delicious and timeless treat that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
