Cream Puff Cake Recipe – A Lazy Éclair Dessert Everyone Will Love
Looking for a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian bakery—but without the complicated steps? Meet your new favorite treat: Cream Puff Cake.
This delightful twist on a classic French éclair delivers all the flavor and elegance of choux pastry with the simplicity of a one-pan cake. Airy, golden pastry layered with creamy vanilla filling, whipped topping, and a rich chocolate drizzle… what’s not to love?
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, potluck, or just craving something sweet, this lazy éclair cake is guaranteed to impress.
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🧁 Why This Cream Puff Cake Will Be Your New Go-To Dessert
No piping bags, no stress – This simplified éclair-inspired dessert skips the traditional pastry work.
Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for parties and busy schedules.
Customizable – Try different puddings, toppings, or fruits.
Crowd-pleasing – Light, creamy, and just sweet enough.
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📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this impressive yet easy Cream Puff Cake. You likely have most of these on hand!
For the Pastry Base
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling
2 (3.9 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding
3½ cups cold milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Topping
8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
¼ cup chocolate syrup (or melted chocolate)
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👩🍳 How to Make Cream Puff Cake – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Pan
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Easy Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be thick and glossy.
Step 4: Bake the Pastry Base
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake another 20 minutes.
Important: Use a knife to poke 10–15 small holes in the pastry halfway through to release steam and avoid sogginess.
Let the base cool completely before assembling.
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Step 5: Prepare the Cream Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
Slowly mix the pudding into the cream cheese in small batches, beating until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Spread the cream filling evenly over the cooled pastry base. Then top with whipped topping, spreading gently to cover every corner.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate in your favorite pattern.
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🧊 Chill Time
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. This allows the layers to firm up and flavors to meld beautifully.
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🌟 Tips for Cream Puff Cake Success
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a lump-free filling.
Don’t skip the steam vents—pricking the pastry while baking prevents a soggy bottom.
Fully cool the pastry before adding filling, or you’ll end up with a runny mess.
Decorate to impress with shaved chocolate, berries, or chopped nuts.
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🍓 Fun Variations to Try
🍫 Chocolate Lovers’ Twist
Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla, and drizzle with white chocolate sauce.
🍌 Banana Split Cream Puff Cake
Top with sliced bananas, strawberries, and a caramel drizzle.
☕ Mocha Version
Swap in mocha pudding, add a bit of espresso powder to the dough, and dust the top with cocoa powder.
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🎉 When to Serve Cream Puff Cake
This easy yet elegant dessert is perfect for:
Birthdays and baby showers
Easter or Mother’s Day brunch
Holiday parties and potlucks
Casual weeknight indulgences
Add candles, berries, or edible flowers to match the occasion!
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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
Best made ahead: Prepping the night before allows the texture to set perfectly.
Freezing not recommended: The filling may become watery after thawing.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding?
You can, but it adds time and changes the texture. Instant pudding is quicker and creamier.
Why did my pastry deflate?
Most likely due to underbaking or not poking steam holes. Make sure to follow the bake times closely and release steam mid-bake.
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💬 Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made choux pastry before, this Cream Puff Cake recipe is the perfect introduction. It’s fuss-free, ultra-creamy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Simple to make, stunning to serve, and irresistible to eat—it’s everything a homemade dessert should be.
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