For an enhanced almond flavor, toast slivered almonds and sprinkle them over the chocolate glaze. Ensure the choux pastry is properly dried out in the oven for a crispier texture. The almond cream filling can be made a day ahead to save time.
An exquisite ring of delicate cream puffs, infused with the subtle essence of almond and crowned with a glossy chocolate cascade. This dessert is surprisingly simple to create, leaving your guests in awe of your culinary prowess.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper. Trace a circle on the cookie sheet using a dinner plate as a guide. (5 minutes)
Combine water, 1/2 cup butter, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Vigorously stir in flour all at once, using a wooden spoon, until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat; beat in eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Drop batter into 10 mounds inside the traced circle on the prepared cookie sheet to form a ring. (20 minutes)
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Turn off oven, leave ring inside the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool on a wire rack. (55 minutes)
Meanwhile, combine pudding mix and milk in a bowl to prepare pudding according to package instructions (using only 1 1/4 cups milk); fold in whipped cream and 1 teaspoon almond extract. (10 minutes)
When cool, slice ring in half horizontally. Place bottom ring on a serving plate. Spoon almond cream filling on bottom ring; place top ring on top. Chill in the refrigerator. (10 minutes)
Place chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons milk, and 1 1/2 teaspoons corn syrup in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Spoon over top of chilled ring. (15 minutes)
For an enhanced almond flavor, toast slivered almonds and sprinkle them over the chocolate glaze. Ensure the choux pastry is properly dried out in the oven for a crispier texture. The almond cream filling can be made a day ahead to save time.
Leopold Koss
Dec 25, 2024Next time, I might try adding a layer of fresh berries to the filling for a burst of freshness.
Cristopher Green
Oct 17, 2024Mine came out a little flat, what could I have done wrong?
Kara Quitzon
Aug 16, 2024Can I use a different extract instead of almond?
Marilyne Stark
Aug 10, 2024The chocolate ganache is so easy to make and adds the perfect finishing touch.
Cloyd Heaney
Jul 28, 2024This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved the almond cream filling.
Evalyn Rutherford
Jul 26, 2024This is my new go-to dessert for special occasions!
Merle Nitzsche
Jul 3, 2024How far in advance can I make this recipe?
Maybelle Roob
Mar 28, 2024I was a little intimidated by the choux pastry, but the instructions were so clear that it came out perfectly.