Fill your holiday season with oohs and aahs thanks to this show-stopper dessert recipe, an easy holiday stunning Christmas delight.
Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and creating lasting memories. While the main event is celebrating togetherness, delightful foods and sweets also play a starring role in festive traditions.
One Christmas dessert guaranteed to earn rave reviews is a croquembouche tower piled high with cream puffs and dripping with caramel. With its artistic appeal and unique flavors, it’s sure to wow guests at your Christmas celebrations.
Croquembouche traditionally takes patience and skill to construct. However, this version simplifies preparation so you can focus on enjoying the season. Cream puff shells, caramel sauce, and toasted nuts combine to dramatic effect without difficulty. Best of all, it comes together in only 90 minutes for stress-free enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄3 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium pot, bring milk, water, and 6 tbsp butter to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Pipe dough into 1 1⁄2-inch mounds onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and 1⁄4 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until 300°F.
- Remove from heat and gently whisk in cream and remaining butter.
- Assemble the tower by stacking cream puffs and drizzling with caramel. Garnish with chopped nuts.
Nutritious and versatile ingredients
Cream puffs provide nourishment from whole grains in flour. Eggs lend protein while milk and butter add vitamins and minerals. Caramel coats shelves in sticky-sweet indulgence with under 15 calories per tablespoon. Nuts enhance flavor and texture with heart-healthy fats and plant compounds. Overall, it makes for a guilt-free holiday treat.
Some assembly is required but the recipe comes together easily in 90 minutes. Serve it at your next Christmas party for 16 people at about 230 calories per serving. Croquembouche hails from France and makes a spectacular centerpiece worthy of the finest dinner tables.
A few plastic drinking straws support the structure without fuss. Non-stick cooking spray prevents caramel from hardening onto baking sheets and pots. Electric mixers speed whisking but sturdy arms also work well.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the cream puff shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake and cool the shells up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Q: What if my caramel seizes when adding the butter and cream?
A: Return caramel to low heat and whisk constantly until smooth again. Work quickly to prevent burning.
Q: How do I assemble the tower shape?
A: Stack cream puffs in an upward cone shape anchored by drinking straws inserted into the bottom puffs.
Q: Can I use a substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half and half work nicely if you lack heavy cream. Whole milk will also do but yields a slightly thinner caramel.
Q: Is croquembouche difficult for beginners?
A: Not at all – this simplified version comes together easily using basic skills. Practice your assembly and you’ll be a pro!
In conclusion, take your show-stopper dessert game to new heights with this impressive croquembouche recipe.
The show-stopper dessert and its dramatic design are sure to be the talk of your holiday celebrations. The elegant tower shape and layers of flavors will wow guests and create moments to remember. So start your prep today – your friends and family will thank you!
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