Classic French Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce

Name: Classic French Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the Filling:; Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor); For the Chocolate Sauce:; 1 cup heavy cream; 200g dark chocolate (roughly chopped); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

by basmer

18 de December de 2025

Facebook

Jump to Recipe

French Profiteroles are a delightful French dessert that brings joy to every occasion. These classic cream puffs are filled with rich vanilla ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce, creating a heavenly treat that is both light and indulgent. The first time I experienced these little puffs of joy was in a quaint Parisian café, where the aroma of freshly baked pastry filled the air. With every bite, I was transported to a world of sweetness, making it a memorable culinary adventure. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant recipe!

Why You’ll Love This French Profiteroles

There are countless reasons to adore French Profiteroles. First and foremost, they’re incredibly versatile — you can fill them with anything from ice cream to whipped cream, or even a pastry cream. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or an everyday treat. This recipe is also beginner-friendly, making it easy for novices to impress their guests. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored, which is a lifesaver for party planning. Lastly, the combination of textures, with the crisp outer shell and creamy filling, creates an unforgettable experience. If you’re wondering what are profiteroles, imagine a dessert that embodies elegance and simplicity all in one bite!

Ingredients for French Profiteroles

Gather these items:

For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
For the Chocolate Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
200g dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make French Profiteroles Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a piping bag (or use a spoon) and pipe small mounds onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Dampen your finger and smooth down any peaks.
Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven door too soon.
Step 6: Once baked, remove from the oven and poke a small hole in the side of each puff to let out steam. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until just about to boil. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt, then stir in the sugar and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
Step 8: When the choux puffs are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the bottom half and place the top back on.
Step 9: Arrange profiteroles on a serving plate and pour warm chocolate sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Perfect French Profiteroles

Keep these in mind:

Serve immediately for the best texture.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
For a unique twist, try filling your profiteroles with whipped cream or a flavored pastry cream.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve the perfect rise.

Best Ways to Serve French Profiteroles

There are many delightful ways to enjoy your French Profiteroles. Serve them with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce for a classic experience, or try them with caramel sauce for a unique twist. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider topping them with fresh berries to add a pop of color and flavor. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or dessert wine, making them a versatile choice for any gathering.

How to Store and Reheat French Profiteroles

To maintain the delightful texture of your French Profiteroles, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. They can last for about 2-3 days, but for the best taste, I recommend consuming them fresh. If you need to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again. This method helps preserve their lightness and ensures they remain a treat to savor.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Profiteroles

What’s the secret to perfect French Profiteroles?

The key to making perfect French Profiteroles is to ensure that your choux pastry dough is the right consistency. It should be smooth and glossy after adding the eggs. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door too early during baking, as this can cause them to collapse.

Can I make French Profiteroles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the choux pastry in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Alternatively, bake the profiteroles and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw and fill them with ice cream or your preferred filling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Profiteroles?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, and be patient while baking. Properly measure your flour and ensure the butter is fully melted before adding it to the water. This will help you achieve that perfect puff.

Variations of French Profiteroles You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations: fill your profiteroles with different flavors of ice cream, such as pistachio or chocolate mint, for unique twists. You can also create a festive touch by topping them with seasonal fruits or even a sprinkle of nuts. For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, try drizzling with caramel sauce or incorporating flavored whipped cream. No matter how you choose to customize them, these traditional French profiteroles will surely impress!

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our latest recipes or try making cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast treat!

For a deeper understanding of French pastries, you might find this guide on French pastries helpful.

Classic French Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce

Author: basmer
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 profiteroles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Classic French Profiteroles are delicate cream puffs filled with vanilla ice cream and drenched in chocolate sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Choux Pastry: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 2–3 minutes).
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag (or use a spoon) and pipe small mounds onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Dampen your finger and smooth down any peaks.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven door too soon.
Once baked, remove from the oven and poke a small hole in the side of each puff to let out steam. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Chocolate Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until just about to boil. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt, then stir in the sugar and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Profiteroles: When the choux puffs are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the bottom half and place the top back on.
Arrange profiteroles on a serving plate and pour warm chocolate sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.