Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs

Indulge in a taste of paradise with these delectable Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs! Picture this: delicate choux pastry shells filled with a luscious coconut custard and drizzled with a decadent homemade caramel sauce. The tropical twist in this classic French pastry is a game-changer, bringing together the rich flavors of coconut and caramel in each heavenly bite.

I remember the first time I made these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs for a special occasion—the looks of amazement on my guests’ faces said it all. The combination of airy pastry, creamy coconut filling, and glossy caramel is pure dessert magic. Whether you’re treating your loved ones or impressing your book club like my sister does, these cream puffs are guaranteed to steal the show.

With a nod to tradition and a touch of innovation, these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs are a true delight for the senses. The crisp texture of toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch, while the silky smooth custard and rich caramel sauce elevate these treats to gourmet status. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the tropical flavors packed into each delightful puff!

Quick Benefits

• Light and airy texture from steam expansion in the choux pastry
• Tropical, nutty flavor from coconut milk and shredded coconut in the cream filling
• Rich and flavorful homemade caramel sauce elevates the dessert
• Chilling ensures optimal texture for piping and prevents sogginess in the puffs

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs Recipe

• Elevated Homemade Treat: Impress your guests with a bakery-quality dessert that is surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
• Tropical Twist: The combination of coconut milk and shredded coconut adds a unique and delicious tropical flavor to the creamy custard filling.
• Decadent Caramel Sauce: The rich homemade caramel sauce takes these cream puffs to the next level, adding a glossy finish and depth of flavor.
• Texture Contrast: The addition of toasted shredded coconut provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Make-Ahead: Great for planning ahead, as unfilled cream puff shells can be stored or frozen, and the caramel sauce can be easily reheated if it thickens.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, such as swapping coconut milk for other nut milks, or adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the caramel sauce.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve as a decadent afternoon treat with coffee or tea, or create mini versions for elegant party finger food.
• Historical and Global Influence: A fusion of classic European pastry technique with a tropical twist, offering a familiar yet innovative dessert experience.

Ingredients for Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs

Choux Pastry

• 2 g salt
• 2 large eggs
• 75 g all-purpose flour
• 8 g granulated sugar
• 60 g unsalted butter
• 120 ml water

Coconut Cream Filling

• 2 large egg yolks
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 25 g unsalted butter
• 120 ml coconut milk
• 15 g cornstarch
• 50 g granulated sugar
• 120 ml whole milk
• 30 g sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Caramel Sauce

• 100 g granulated sugar
• 90 ml heavy cream
• 1 g salt
• 30 g unsalted butter

Garnish

• 15 g toasted shredded coconut

Pro Tips for Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs

Pro Tip #1: When making choux pastry for cream puffs, ensure the water and butter mixture comes to a full boil before adding the flour. This step is crucial for creating steam that expands the dough, resulting in light and airy puffs.

Pro Tip #2: For an extra tropical flavor, toast the shredded coconut for the filling before incorporating it with the custard. Toasting brings out a nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste of the coconut caramel cream puffs.

Pro Tip #3: To maintain the crispness of the pastry shells, only fill the cream puffs just before serving. If storing filled puffs, keep them refrigerated and consume within two days for the best texture and flavor. If the caramel sauce thickens, gently warm it to restore the desired consistency.

How to Make Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Choux Pastry

In a saucepan over medium heat, boil water, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir in all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs to the cooled dough one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is shiny and smooth.

Step 4: Form Pastry Mounds

Place the dough into a piping bag or use a spoon to create portions on the tray, leaving space for the dough to expand.

Step 5: Bake Choux Pastry

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fully puffed. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before adding filling.

Step 6: Prepare Coconut Cream Filling

Combine whole milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut (optional). Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until firm.

Step 7: Make Caramel Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until a deep amber caramel forms. Add butter and stir until fully incorporated, then slowly mix in heavy cream. Stir in salt and let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 8: Fill and Assemble

Cut the cooled pastry shells in half. Fill the bottom halves with chilled coconut cream filling using a piping bag. Place the tops back on, drizzle with caramel sauce, and top with toasted coconut.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs, it’s best to store them properly to maintain their delicious taste and texture. Unfilled cream puff shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days or frozen for a month. When ready to enjoy, keep the filled cream puffs in the fridge and consume them within forty-eight hours for the best flavor and crispness. If the caramel sauce thickens while storing, simply warm it briefly to loosen it up.

The combination of coconut custard and homemade caramel in these cream puffs creates a delightful treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can customize the recipe by adding extra toasted coconut on top for added texture or even a splash of rum or bourbon to the caramel sauce for a more adult flavor profile. Serve these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs on a dessert platter with coffee or tea for a decadent afternoon treat, or make mini versions for a delicious finger food option at parties. Enjoy the tropical twist and the rich flavors of these homemade cream puffs!

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs, you can make a few ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can swap it out for any other nut milk of your choice. While this change may slightly alter the signature coconut flavor, it will still result in a delicious cream filling. Additionally, if you need to make the recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking in place of regular all-purpose flour for the pastry shell.

If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker option, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making homemade caramel. This convenience swap will save you time and still provide a delicious caramel flavor for your cream puffs. Just ensure you choose a high-quality caramel sauce to maintain the overall taste of the dessert. Remember to chill the filled puffs in the refrigerator and consume them within two days to preserve their optimal taste and texture. This step will also prevent the cream filling from making the puffs soggy and help them retain their deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs, consider serving them on a platter with a selection of flavored coffees or herbal teas for a luxurious afternoon indulgence. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the puffs or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added crunch and visual appeal. For a party-friendly option, try making mini versions by piping smaller choux mounds for bite-sized treats that are perfect for social gatherings.

For a more adult-oriented twist, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the caramel sauce for a sophisticated flavor profile. Additionally, a drizzle of melted chocolate over the puffs can provide a delightful contrast to the tropical coconut custard. With their airy texture and rich, tropical flavors, these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs are sure to impress and delight your guests, making any occasion feel special and memorable.

FAQs for Decadent Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making homemade caramel for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a convenient alternative. However, homemade caramel will provide the best flavor for these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs.

How long can I store unfilled cream puff shells for?

Unfilled cream puff shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days or frozen for a month. Make sure to keep them at room temperature in a dry place to maintain their crispness.

Is it possible to make mini versions of these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs for a party?

Absolutely! You can make mini versions by piping smaller mounds of choux pastry for bite-sized puffs. These mini cream puffs are perfect finger food for parties and gatherings.

Can I substitute coconut milk with another type of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with any other nut milk if you prefer. Keep in mind that using a different type of milk will alter the signature coconut flavor of the cream filling.

Conclusion

These Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs are truly a labor of love, but the rewarding taste of each delicate bite is well worth the effort. The combination of tropical coconut custard, airy pastry, and rich homemade caramel is a symphony for the taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of cream puffs, this recipe is sure to impress and delight.

Don’t be intimidated by the process of making these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs – embrace it as an opportunity to create something special and memorable. Share these delectable treats with your loved ones and watch as their faces light up with each indulgent bite. The sweet aroma of caramel and coconut will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these Coconut Caramel Cream Puffs. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply craving a sweet treat, these puffs are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings and leave you craving more. Dive into the world of homemade pastries and let the flavors of coconut and caramel transport you to a tropical paradise of indulgence.