Vegan Cream Puff Recipe Easy and Delicious Dessert Idea

There’s something truly magical about cream puffs—their light, airy shells filled with luscious cream make for a delightful treat that feels like a little bite of heaven. But if you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to explore dairy-free desserts, you might wonder if it’s possible to enjoy this classic pastry without eggs or dairy.

The good news is, it absolutely is! Our vegan cream puff recipe combines plant-based ingredients to create a delicate choux pastry filled with a dreamy vegan cream that’s smooth, rich, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re preparing these for a special occasion, a casual afternoon tea, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these vegan cream puffs will impress everyone. They’re surprisingly simple to make, and once you master the technique, you can customize the filling and toppings to your heart’s content.

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this elegant, cruelty-free dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking to enjoy a vegan twist on a traditional French pastry. The choux pastry is light and puffed to perfection without using eggs, thanks to a clever combination of plant-based ingredients.

The filling is a creamy, dairy-free custard that’s smooth and flavorful, made with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla.

Not only is this dessert free from animal products, but it’s also versatile. You can fill your cream puffs with fruit-flavored creams, chocolate mousse, or even savory fillings for an appetizer twist.

Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding baking project that yields impressive results that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water (240 ml)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (113 g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (chilled, for cream filling)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for cream filling, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream filling)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag with round tip (optional, for filling and shaping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
2. Make the choux pastry dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vegan butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the flour: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Incorporate the flax egg: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then add the flax egg and mix well until fully incorporated and smooth. The dough will be thick and sticky.
5. Shape the cream puffs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Using a piping bag or two spoons, form small mounds of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter, spacing them 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent deflation.
7. Cool: Remove from oven and let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
8. Prepare the vegan cream filling: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Scoop the solid coconut cream from the top of the chilled can of coconut milk (discard or save the liquid). Beat the coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
9. Fill the cream puffs: Slice the cooled puffs in half horizontally or use a piping bag to inject the cream filling inside. Fill generously.
10. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For best results, make sure your vegan butter and flour are well measured and use a good quality coconut milk with a high-fat content for the cream filling.

• Flax egg alternative: You can substitute the flax egg with 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea brine) whipped until foamy for an even lighter dough.
• Chocolate cream filling: Add 2 tablespoons of melted vegan dark chocolate to the coconut cream for a luscious chocolate filling.
• Fruit fillings: Mix fresh berries or fruit compote into the cream for a refreshing twist.
• Make ahead: Bake the puffs a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Fill with cream just before serving to keep them crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cream puffs are perfect as an elegant dessert for dinner parties or a special treat to enjoy with afternoon tea or coffee. For a festive touch, drizzle them with vegan chocolate sauce or dust with a little cocoa powder.

They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side.

If you want to experiment, try filling them with vegan bechamel sauce for a savory appetizer or pair them with a fresh vegetable dip like the Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe for a delightful snack.

Conclusion

Making vegan cream puffs at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to indulge in a classic French pastry without any animal products. This recipe balances simplicity and elegance, resulting in choux pastry that’s light and crisp, paired with a creamy, dreamy filling that’s both dairy-free and delicious.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or simply looking to try something new, these cream puffs will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also packed with flavor and texture. Don’t forget to explore other vegan baking ideas like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe or try your hand at breads with the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy baking and bon appétit!

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