Name: Irresistible Pistachio Cream Puffs That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 120 ml water; 60 g butter; 70 g all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 tsp salt; 240 ml heavy cream; 200 g mascarpone cheese; 3 tbsp pistachio paste; 3 tbsp powdered sugar (for filling); 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting); 2 tbsp crushed pistachios (for garnish)

Have you ever bitten into a dessert so light, so cloud-like, that it almost disappears on your tongue? These irresistible pistachio cream puffs deliver exactly that sensation. Crisp choux pastry shells cradle a silky pistachio mascarpone filling, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a hint of crushed pistachios for a finish that’s both elegant and playful.

Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent afternoon treat, these cream puffs combine the delicate art of French pastry with the comforting, nutty richness of pistachio. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself, they promise a bite that’s both luxurious and unforgettable.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making pistachio cream puffs is all about technique and precision, but don’t let that scare you— with the right tools, it’s totally manageable. You’ll need a piping bag fitted with a round tip to shape the choux pastry evenly, ensuring perfect puffing in the oven. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is key for whipping the cream filling to a dreamy, airy texture. A small offset spatula helps neatly spread or smooth the filling, and a fine-mesh sieve is perfect for that delicate snowfall of powdered sugar on top.

Each tool plays its part: piping ensures consistent size, the mixer guarantees stable whipped cream, and the sieve transforms your dessert into a bakery-worthy beauty. With these essentials, you’ll glide through the recipe with confidence and end up with picture-perfect puffs.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Pistachio Cream Puffs

All-purpose flour: Gives the choux pastry its structure and helps it puff beautifully.
Butter: Provides richness and flavor in the dough, creating that crisp shell.
Eggs: Essential for the rise and texture of the puffs, adding moisture and color.
Water: The base liquid that combines with butter and flour to make the choux paste.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it forms the light, airy base of the filling.
Mascarpone cheese: Adds a creamy, velvety texture and mild tang to the filling.
Pistachio paste: Delivers that signature nutty flavor, turning the cream into pistachio heaven.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a decorative dusting on top.
Crushed pistachios: A crunchy garnish that brings color and texture.

How To Make the Irresistible Pistachio Cream Puffs

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Return to heat and cook until the dough pulls away from the pan. Cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until glossy.

Step 2: Pipe and Bake

Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Cream

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone with pistachio paste until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pistachio mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cream Puffs

Slice the tops off the cooled puffs. Pipe or spoon the pistachio cream generously into the base, then replace the tops. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with crushed pistachios.

Step 5: Final Touch

Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Storing Your Pistachio Cream Puffs

Serve these pistachio cream puffs chilled for the ultimate experience. The cool filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry shell, offering a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Arrange them on a platter just before serving, and if desired, add an extra drizzle of pistachio cream or crushed nuts for flair.

For storing, keep the filled puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Unfilled choux shells can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Always fill just before serving to maintain that perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my cream puffs from collapsing?

Make sure the pastry is fully baked and hollow inside. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to avoid steam softening the shells.

Can I make the pistachio cream ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before filling the puffs.

Can I freeze cream puffs?

You can freeze the unfilled shells. Fill them only after thawing at room temperature to keep the pastry crisp.

What if I can’t find pistachio paste?

You can blend shelled pistachios with a bit of oil and powdered sugar to make a homemade version.

Do I need to use mascarpone?

Mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess, but you can substitute it with cream cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.

Want More Pistachio Dessert Ideas?

If you’re enchanted by the pistachio magic, don’t stop here! You might also enjoy the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie for a rich, fudgy treat. Or try the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes that balance sweetness and spice perfectly.

For those who love layered textures, No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake offers a creamy, dreamy experience. And if you’re into breakfast bakes, the Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are sure to delight.

Want even more pistachio and dessert inspiration? Head over to my Pinterest board where I share my daily recipes: LadyPlate on Pinterest. There, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your sweet cravings satisfied!

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When you make these pistachio cream puffs, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you add extra pistachios or maybe a drizzle of white chocolate? Drop a comment below and share your twist!

Irresistible Pistachio Cream Puffs That Melt in Your Mouth

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 cream puffs
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Light, crisp choux pastry filled with luxurious pistachio mascarpone cream, topped with powdered sugar and crushed pistachios — these cream puffs are an unforgettable dessert.