How to Make Italian Profiteroles
Italian profiteroles, or "bigné," are delightful pastry balls filled with cream and topped with chocolate. They are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for any occasion. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make these delicious treats.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate sauce:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Allow the dough to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be thick and smooth.
2. Bake the Profiteroles
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the profiteroles are puffed up and golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking, as this may cause them to collapse. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Filling
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; the cream should be fluffy and smooth.
Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit in the side of each cooled profiterole. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and gently pipe the cream into each profiterole until filled.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Assemble the Profiteroles
Dip the top of each filled profiterole into the warm chocolate sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top. Allow them to set for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Italian profiteroles are a delightful dessert that combines light pastry, creamy filling, and rich chocolate. They are easy to make and offer a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy your homemade profiteroles!