Description
Light and airy choux pastry filled with rich mascarpone cream and finished with a delicate drizzle of dark chocolate. An elegant yet surprisingly simple dessert perfect for celebrations or dinner parties.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and butter and bring to a gentle boil until the butter fully melts.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Slice the cooled profiteroles in half and fill generously with the mascarpone cream.
- Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the tops before serving.
Notes
Add orange zest or a splash of coffee extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Fresh berries can be added inside for a fruity variation.
For a richer finish, pour warm chocolate ganache over the top instead of a light drizzle.
Store unfilled shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Once filled, refrigerate for up to 2 days and serve chilled or slightly cool.
To re-crisp unfilled shells, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
