Save Charming, light choux pastry swans filled with vanilla cream and dusted with powdered sugar—perfect for an elegant dessert or tea-time treat.
This recipe brings a touch of elegance to any gathering and always impresses guests with its delicate flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry: 125 ml water, 40 g unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, 75 g all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs
- Vanilla Cream Filling: 200 ml heavy cream, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make dough:
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once. Return to medium heat, stirring until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).
- Cool and add eggs:
- Let dough cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe shapes:
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip. Pipe 12 oval shapes (bodies) onto the prepared tray. With a small round tip, pipe 12 S-shaped necks on the same tray.
- Bake:
- Bake bodies for 25 30 minutes and necks for 10 12 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
- Whip cream:
- For the filling whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare swans:
- Slice the top third off each choux body. Cut the tops in half lengthwise to create wings.
- Assemble:
- Pipe or spoon cream into the bottom halves. Insert two wings on each side and an S-shaped neck at the front. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Save This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings where the delicate pastries bring everyone together over shared smiles and memories.
Required Tools
Saucepan, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Piping bags with round tips, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk, Wheat (Gluten). Double-check ingredients if preparing for those with food allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 120, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 9 g, Protein 2 g per serving
Save These elegant swan pastries are sure to delight your guests and add a sophisticated touch to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is choux pastry and how is it made?
Choux pastry is a light dough prepared by boiling water, butter, salt, and sugar, then incorporating flour and eggs to create a smooth batter that puffs during baking.
- → How do I shape the swan bodies and necks?
Pipe oval shapes for the bodies and small S-shaped necks separately onto parchment paper before baking for a delicate swan silhouette.
- → What makes the vanilla cream filling smooth and stable?
Whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form ensures a light yet stable filling for easy assembly.
- → How can I store the pastries if not serving immediately?
Keep the baked choux and filling separate in airtight containers, assembling just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
- → Can I add any flavors or garnishes to enhance taste?
For added flair, fold fresh raspberries or lemon curd into the filling or pair with a glass of sparkling Moscato for a festive touch.