Dessert

Chocolate Cream Puffs with Cocoa Whipped Cream and Chocolate Ganache Recipe

ByElena Hart November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Chocolate cream puffs are a delightful dessert that combines light, airy pastry with rich, creamy filling and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for special occasions or a treat-anytime indulgence, these cream puffs are sure to impress.

A single cream puff sits in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface, showing three visible layers: the bottom choux pastry layer is light golden and airy with small holes, followed by a thick middle layer of light brown chocolate whipped cream that looks soft and fluffy, and topped with another golden choux pastry layer that has a glossy dark brown chocolate sauce dripping over the edges. The background is softly blurred with hints of more cream puffs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs

2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup heavy cream (for ganache)

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400º F.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and water together until it reaches a rolling boil.

Step 3: Stir in the flour and reduce heat to low. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until the dough forms a ball, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Using a wooden spoon, beat in all the eggs at once. Continue beating until a smooth batter forms.
Step 5: Drop 1/4 cup portions of dough about 3 inches apart onto a lined baking sheet, using a large cookie scoop if available.

Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the puffs are golden and puffed.
Step 7: Remove from oven and pierce each puff gently with a knife. Return to the oven with the door open for 20 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
Step 8: While cooling, whip 2 cups heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 9: Once cool, cut the top third off each puff with a serrated knife and fill with whipped cream, then replace the tops.
Step 10: Dust with powdered sugar or prepare the chocolate ganache.
Step 11: For the ganache, heat 1/3 cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds. Add chocolate chips, let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Step 12: Spoon the ganache over the filled cream puffs and let sit for about an hour to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a piping bag for more uniform cream puffs if preferred.
For a different flavor, substitute the cocoa powder in the whipped cream with espresso powder.

To make the puffs extra crisp, avoid opening the oven door during baking except when instructed.
Try topping with powdered sugar alone for a lighter finish without ganache.

Storage

Store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, fill and add ganache just before serving. Reheat slightly to soften ganache if desired, but avoid long reheating as the pastry may lose crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows a cream puff dessert placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. The dessert has three visible layers: the bottom and top layers are light golden-brown, airy pastry shells with a slightly rough texture. Sandwiched between them is a thick, fluffy layer of pale brown chocolate cream. On top of the puff is a generous drizzle of shiny, dark chocolate sauce that flows down the sides, adding a rich glossy contrast to the soft pastry. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the detailed texture of the cream puff in focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cream puffs ahead of time?

You can bake the puffs a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill and add ganache just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the filling?

While heavy cream is ideal for its texture, you can substitute with whipping cream or a stabilized whipped topping. However, the flavor and richness may vary slightly.