Heavenly Chocolate Cream Puff Cake

Name: Heavenly Chocolate Cream Puff Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

I can’t express how excited I am to share this Heavenly Chocolate Cream Puff Cake recipe with you! This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, with layers of fluffy cream puffs infused with a rich chocolate flavor. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this recipe, and I think you’ll find the result is not only stunning but also surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you need a sweet indulgence that impresses. Let's dive right into this indulgent treat!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:14:27.707Z

When I first attempted this Heavenly Chocolate Cream Puff Cake, I was both excited and nervous, as I hadn’t made cream puffs before. To my delight, they turned out perfectly! The secret was waiting for the right moment to take them out of the oven - they should be golden brown and light. The satisfaction of biting into the crisp outer shell to reveal the creamy chocolate filling is just heavenly.

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of balancing flavors. Adding a touch of vanilla extract to the chocolate filling not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also lends a delightful aroma. This cake has become a staple at our family gatherings, disappearing quickly and leaving everyone craving more!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Mastering the Choux Pastry

Creating the perfect choux pastry is crucial for the success of your cream puffs. When you combine water and butter in the saucepan, ensure it reaches a rolling boil before adding the flour and salt. This process helps the flour absorb enough moisture, creating a robust dough that will puff beautifully in the oven. After mixing, the dough should form a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. If it appears too wet, you might need to cook it slightly longer to evaporate excess moisture.

When adding eggs to the cooled mixture, do so one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. This technique ensures a smooth, elastic dough that expands adequately while baking. You’ll know you’ve achieved the right consistency when the batter forms a 'V' shape on a spatula. If your batter feels too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water for adjustment. Proper egg incorporation is key for achieving that light, airy texture characteristic of the best cream puffs.

Crafting Your Chocolate Filling

For the chocolate filling, using good quality semi-sweet chocolate makes all the difference in flavor. I recommend chopping the chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure it melts evenly and quickly when combined with the hot cream. This step prevents clumping and helps achieve a silky, smooth consistency. If you want to enhance the richness, consider using dark chocolate or a combination of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolates.

When heating the heavy cream, monitor it closely to prevent it from boiling over. It should only be heated until bubbles begin to form around the edges. Once you add the chocolate, allow it to sit for a minute before stirring; this resting period helps the chocolate melt thoroughly. After mixing in the sugar and vanilla, let the filling cool until it slightly thickens. This will provide the right consistency to fill your cream puffs without making them soggy.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This Heavenly Chocolate Cream Puff Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them properly to maintain texture. The filled cream puffs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just remember that the longer they sit, the softer they will become as the moisture from the filling seeps into the pastry. To revive their original crispness, briefly reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

For serving ideas, consider pairing this indulgent cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate flavor. You might also experiment with adding a hint of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast to the sweetness. If you want to play with flavors, try infusing your chocolate filling with espresso or liqueurs like Frangelico or Amaretto for adult gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cream Puffs

1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Filling

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cream Puffs

In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt, stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.

Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth. Drop by tablespoon onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes or until golden.

Make the Chocolate Filling

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract. Let cool until thickened.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cream puffs are cooled, cut them in half and fill with the chocolate filling. Stack them into a cake shape, dust with powdered sugar and shave some chocolate on top for garnish.

Tips

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a dash of orange zest to the chocolate filling. It will elevate the cake with a delightful citrus twist!

Making Ahead Tips

If you're planning for a special occasion, you can prepare the choux pastry a day in advance. After baking, cool and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Just ensure they are completely cool before freezing to prevent moisture buildup. To refresh frozen pastry, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which will help revive their crispiness.

The chocolate filling can be made a day ahead as well. Just ensure it's cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. For the best results, whip the filling slightly just before using to restore its creamy texture. This prep can save you time and allow you to assemble your cake quickly when it's time to serve.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cream puffs don’t rise as expected, check the moisture content in your dough. Insufficient water or butter can lead to dense pastries. Always measure your ingredients accurately and ensure your butter is properly melted. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking—this is key to achieving that initial rise.

If your chocolate filling turns out grainy, it could be due to overheating the cream. To salvage it, heat it gently again while stirring continually, or add a little more warm cream to smooth out the mixture. It’s always best to learn from these experiences and adjust your techniques for future baking sessions, which will only improve your skills.

Questions About Recipes

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

→ Can I make the cream puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream puffs a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container before filling.

→ Can I substitute the chocolate?

Definitely! You can use dark chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cream puffs gluten-free.