Keto Cream Puffs Recipe: A Guilt-Free Delight

Welcome to our delicious adaptation of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, now transformed into a keto-friendly treat! These light, airy pastries filled with a luscious cream filling are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your carbohydrate intake low. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover every detail of the recipe, including ingredient measurements, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and SmartPoints for those following the WW program.

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Shells:

  • 1 cup almond flour (provides the base while keeping carbs low)
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour (adds texture and moisture)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for richness)
  • 1/2 cup water (to help create the pastry dough)
  • 4 large eggs (binds the ingredients and adds structure)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)

For the Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for a rich, velvety texture)
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or preferred keto-friendly sweetener) (for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

Optional Toppings:

  • Sugar-free chocolate sauce (for drizzling)
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (for combining ingredients)
  • Whisk or electric mixer (for whipping cream)
  • Saucepan (for cooking the dough)
  • Piping bag or zip-top bag (for filling the cream puffs)
  • Baking sheet (for baking the shells)
  • Parchment paper (to prevent sticking)
  • Cooling rack (for cooling the cream puffs)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Kitchen

  1. Gather Ingredients: Begin by assembling all ingredients and measuring them accurately. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure consistency in your cream puffs.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for creating the right puff and texture in your shells.
  3. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cream puffs from sticking and allow for easy removal.

Step 2: Making the Cream Puff Shells

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and water. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Cool Slightly: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
  4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become smooth and glossy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Piping the Cream Puffs

  1. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe small mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Shape the Puffs: Use a wet finger to smooth out the tops of the piped dough, ensuring an even rise during baking.

Step 4: Baking the Cream Puff Shells

  1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to ensure they rise properly.
  2. Cool: Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Making the Cream Filling

  1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered erythritol, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Fill the Cream Puffs: Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each puff. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag to fill them directly.
  3. Pipe in the Cream: Fill each cream puff with the whipped cream filling, ensuring they are generously filled.

Step 6: Serving and Storing

  1. Optional Toppings: If desired, drizzle the cream puffs with sugar-free chocolate sauce or dust with cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
  2. Enjoy: Serve the keto cream puffs immediately or refrigerate for later. They make a perfect dessert for any occasion!

Step 7: Storing Leftovers

  1. Store Properly: If you have any leftovers, store the filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious after a couple of days.

Step 8: Nutritional Information

  1. Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cream Puff, based on 12 servings)
  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 1g

SmartPoints (WW)

  • PersonalPoints: 4 (may vary based on individual tracking)

Useful Information

Keto Cream Puffs offer a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without the guilt of excess carbohydrates. They are perfect for special occasions or as an everyday treat. The combination of healthy fats from the cream and butter not only satisfies hunger but also helps keep you in ketosis.

Variations and Tips

  1. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the cream filling. A few drops of almond extract or a spoonful of sugar-free raspberry jam can add a delightful twist.
  2. Presentation Ideas: For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or mint leaves when serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing flavor.

Conclusion

Keto Cream Puffs are a delicious and guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. With their light, airy texture and rich filling, these treats will surely impress friends and family. Whether you enjoy them at a gathering or as a personal treat, they are bound to become a favorite in your keto repertoire. Happy baking!

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes, and enjoy the delightful taste of Keto Cream Puffs!