Carnival Cream Puffs with Nutella®: A Delightful Festivity Dessert
Category: Desserts
Servings: 60
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
These Carnival Cream Puffs filled with Nutella® bring the joyful spirit of Carnevale to your kitchen. Soft, golden puffs of pastry filled with a rich Nutella® filling and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these little delights are perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Carnival or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 133g |
| Granulated sugar | 50g |
| Butter (unsalted) | 45g |
| Water | 167g |
| Nutella® | 300g |
| Colorful sprinkles | to taste |
| Powdered sugar | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~95 kcal |
| Fat | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Protein | ~1g |
| Sugars | ~6g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- In a saucepan, combine 167g of water, 45g of butter, and 50g of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted, and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, quickly add the 133g of all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth dough. You’ll notice a white film forming on the bottom of the pan—this is a good sign!
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
- While the dough is still warm but not too hot, transfer it into a mixing bowl. Gradually add the 2 beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula. This step is essential to ensure the dough becomes smooth and glossy. Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
- The final consistency should allow the dough to fall from a spoon in a thick ribbon.
Step 3: Shape the Bignole (Cream Puffs)
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a plain 10mm nozzle with the prepared choux pastry dough.
- On the parchment paper, pipe 30 small mounds of dough, each slightly larger than a hazelnut. Gently press down on the tips with a dampened finger to smooth the tops of the puffs.
- For even baking, ensure the mounds are spaced well apart.
Step 4: Bake the Pastry
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream puffs have puffed up and turned golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. It’s crucial to let them cool entirely before filling them to avoid the Nutella® melting.
Step 5: Fill the Bignole with Nutella®
- Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a small, narrow nozzle to inject about 5g of Nutella® into the center of each puff. Be careful not to overfill; a little Nutella® goes a long way!
- For extra flair, you can also pipe a little Nutella® on top of each puff, or simply dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the cream puffs are filled and dusted with powdered sugar, arrange them on a serving platter.
- Optional: Decorate with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- These Carnival Cream Puffs with Nutella® are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success:
- Avoid Overworking the Dough: After adding the flour, be sure to stir the dough vigorously but not for too long. Overmixing can affect the texture of the puffs.
- Perfect Baking: Make sure the oven temperature is correct and don’t open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this may cause the puffs to deflate.
- Filling Variations: If Nutella® isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it with whipped cream, pastry cream, or your favorite filling.
Conclusion:
These Carnival Cream Puffs with Nutella® are the perfect sweet bite for any occasion, with a rich, indulgent filling that contrasts beautifully with the light, airy choux pastry. Their crispy, golden exterior and smooth Nutella® interior will make them a standout treat at your next celebration. Enjoy them at a festive table, or simply as a weekend indulgence!
