One of the most indulgent desserts out there, cream puffs have been around since the fourteenth century. Essentially profiteroles without the chocolate cream puffs are much loved by families in different parts of the world. But what’s the best way to preserve them?
Can You Freeze Cream Puffs?
Yes, you can freeze cream puffs for up to 2 months. The key is to flash freeze them before boxing them up and storing them in the freezer. If you forget this crucial step, your cream puffs will stick together.
Do Cream Puffs Freeze Well? Yes
Can You Refreeze Cream Puffs? No
How to Freeze Cream Puffs
Freezing cream puffs is pretty straightforward, but you need to follow the method to a tee if you want to avoid a disaster in the freezer! The key is flash freezing, as this ensures the cream puffs are frozen solid before you box them up.
Here’s what you need to do:Â
- Flash Freeze
Line a tray with greaseproof paper and carefully line your cream puffs on top. Make sure they’re well spaced out and not touching one another, as this will influence how well they freeze in the first instance. Then, place the tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours until the puffs have frozen solid. - Box Up
Line a Tupperware container or similar freezer-safe box with greaseproof paper and transfer your frozen cream puffs. Again, make sure they’re well spaced out and not just dumped into the container. Affix the lid and set them to one side. - Label and Freeze
Write today’s date and the use-by date on the lid of the box and place it on a flat surface in the freezer. Remember, you can freeze cream puffs for around two months.
3 Tips for Freezing Cream Puffs
Now you know how to freeze them, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing cream puffs to have the best results:
Thaw Slowly
It’s super important to thaw your cream puffs in the fridge and not at room temperature or in the microwave. The reason? Doing so prevents them from becoming soggy.
Soggy cream puffs are a home baker’s worst nightmare, so it’s important not to rush the defrosting process if you’re hoping to have light, airy, and delicious cream puffs in the future!
Freeze the Shells
While you can freeze cream puffs after making them in their entirety, some people prefer freezing the shells and adding the filling at a later date. This is perfectly fine, too, and you can freeze the shells by following the process listed above.
Freeze Once
You don’t need us to tell you that cream puffs are extremely delicate and need to be handled with care! As such, you should only freeze them once. Freezing cream puffs more than this will likely result in a soggy or messy dessert, which is far from ideal when you’re hoping to impress your friends and family!
How Long Can You Freeze Cream Puffs?
We wouldn’t recommend leaving them in the freezer for any longer than 2 months, as doing so may affect their consistency. This is due to the ice crystals that form during the freezing process, which can cause the shells to go soggy.
As such, two months is more than enough time to freeze and use your cream puffs at a later date. If you don’t want to freeze them, cream puffs should be good in the fridge for 2-3 days before starting to spoil.
You Can Freeze Cream Puffs for up to 2 Months
How Do You Defrost Cream Puffs?
The only way to defrost cream puffs is in the fridge. The night before you plan to eat them, transfer them from the freezer to the fridge and leave them to thaw overnight.
You shouldn’t thaw cream puffs at room temperature or in the microwave, as this will affect their taste and texture. It’s also dangerous to thaw dairy at room temperature, as harmful bacteria can grow.
Therefore, if you’re planning to serve up cream puffs at a dinner party, make sure you plan ahead of time and get them in the fridge in enough time.
Can You Refreeze Cream Puffs?
No, you should only freeze cream puffs once. This is because the ice crystals that form during the freezing process can cause the shells to soften and become soggy.
Needless to say, this affects the taste and consistency of your cream puffs, and they will be disappointing, to say the least.
If you’ve made a particularly big batch of cream puffs, freeze them in smaller portion sizes so you can easily remove what you need at any given time.
Do Cream Puffs Freeze Well?
Overall, cream puffs freeze reasonably well. The key is to flash freeze them first, so they don’t stick together, and you will need to use them within two months so the ice crystals don’t affect their consistency.
If you follow these tips, your cream puffs will be delicious, providing you enjoy them within two months of placing them in the freezer.
Related FAQs
If you’ve still got questions about freezing cream puffs or cream cakes in general, then these may help:
Yes, you can! Cream puffs can be frozen with their cream filling. However, the cream will turn a little grainy during the freezing process. It won’t be hugely noticeable if you eat them up within 2 months.
The best way to store cream puffs, especially those that have been filled, is to place them into an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
