Oh, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs! They’re not just any sweet treat; these delightful puffs are bursting with tropical flavors and a fun jiggly jelly topping that’ll make any dessert table swoon. I remember the first time I tried making cream puffs—my kitchen turned into an active crime scene with flour everywhere! But the sense of accomplishment when those puffs puffed up was nothing short of magical. Fast forward to today, and I’m excited to share this unique twist with you that combines my love for creamy desserts with the refreshing taste of lychee.
These cream puffs remind me of summer days spent on the beach, enjoying fresh fruit and feeling carefree. The light, airy shells filled with the rich lychee cream, topped off with a beautiful lychee jelly? It’s an experience in itself! Trust me, these will be the stars at your next gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these luscious Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs!
What’s in Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs?
Water: The base for the dough, providing the steam that makes the puffs rise beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; I always go for high-quality butter for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the cream puff shells, helping them stay airy and fluffy.
Eggs: Essential for structure and richness, they help the puffs rise. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation!
Salt: Just a tiny pinch helps balance the sweetness.
Sugar (optional): If you like a hint of sweetness in the shells, a tablespoon will do nicely!
Heavy Cream: We whip this up to create the light, fluffy filling. No substitutes here; you want the full creaminess!
Cream Cheese: It brings a delightful tang and sturdiness to the filling, making it super luscious.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetening the cream filling while keeping it smooth and velvety.
Canned Lychees: The star of the show! Puree these heavenly little fruits for the cream filling.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Lychee Juice: From the canned lychees, it’s sweet and fragrant—perfect for our jelly topping!
Gelatin Powder: This is what gives the jelly its structure so it holds shape when served.
Sugar (optional for jelly): If you want the jelly to be sweeter, add in a bit more sugar.
Edible Gold Flakes: Because who doesn’t like a touch of glam on their desserts?
Heart-Shaped Jelly Candies: These are purely for fun! They add color and cuteness to our puffs.
Sprinkles: A sprinkle of fun is a must; they make everything look more festive!
Is Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs Good for You?
Okay, let’s get real. These cream puffs are definitely a treat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. The combination of strong flavors offers some impressive benefits:
Heavy Cream: While it’s richer, heavy cream is a source of vitamin A and can contribute to a feeling of satiety.
Canned Lychees: These tropical gems are hydrating and packed with vitamin C, promoting skin health and immunity.
However, watch out for the sugar content, especially if you add extra to the cream or jelly. You might prefer to keep things on the lighter side—maybe reduce the powdered sugar or go for natural sweeteners if desired!
Ingredients List
– For the Cream Puff Shells:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– For the Lychee Cream Filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup canned lychees, pureed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– For the Lychee Jelly Topping:
– 1 cup lychee juice (from canned lychees)
– 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Edible gold flakes (for garnish)
– Heart-shaped jelly candies (for garnish)
– Sprinkles (for garnish)
*This recipe makes about 12-15 cream puffs, perfect for sharing or indulging!*
How to Make Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs?
1. **Make the Cream Puff Shells**:
– Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.
– Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny.
– Using a piping bag, pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
– Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and hollow inside. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. **Prepare the Lychee Cream Filling**:
– In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
– In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the pureed lychee and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
– Gently fold the whipped cream into the lychee mixture until fully incorporated.
3. **Prepare the Lychee Jelly**:
– In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the lychee juice until warm. Add gelatin and sugar (if using), stirring until dissolved. Add the remaining lychee juice and mix well.
– Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, about 1-2 hours. Once set, cut or mold into small heart shapes.
4. **Assemble the Cream Puffs**:
– Once cooled, slice the tops off the cream puff shells. Fill each shell with the lychee cream using a piping bag.
– Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each filled puff.
– Decorate with a heart-shaped lychee jelly, edible gold flakes, and sprinkles for a festive touch.
5. **Serve**:
– Arrange the cream puffs on a serving platter. They can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a short period before serving. Enjoy your Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs!
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations!
These cream puffs are super versatile! Want to switch things up? You can use different fruits for the filling, like mango or passion fruit. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a hint of coconut cream in the filling for an extra tropical vibe!
When it comes to presentation, I love to serve these on a beautiful cake stand or a fun platter to really impress guests. You could even sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for added crunch.
I can’t wait for you to try these Lychee Jelly Cream Puffs! They’re a delicious way to treat yourself or impress others with your culinary skills. So gather your ingredients and let the fun begin! Remember to share your creations with me; I’d love to see them! Happy baking!
