Name: Vanilla Chouquettes with Light Crème Diplomate
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: whole milk; trimoline; salt; unsalted butter; all-purpose flour; eggs; pearl sugar; whole milk; whipping cream; vanilla beans; superfine sugar; custard powder; all-purpose flour; egg yolks; cocoa butter; gelatin sheets; unsalted butter; mascarpone; whipping cream; pastry cream; confectioners’ sugar; vanilla powder

Classic French vanilla chouquettes filled with silky crème diplomate—light, airy puffs topped with pearl sugar and dusted with vanilla for an elegant treat.

Vanilla Chouquettes with Light Crème Diplomate ✨

Classic vanilla chouquettes are the embodiment of French simplicity—airy, golden puffs topped generously with pearl sugar. When paired with a light, silky crème diplomate, they transform into an elegant treat that feels right at home in any pâtisserie window 🥐💛.

These choux bites offer the perfect contrast: crisp exteriors, fluffy interiors and a creamy vanilla filling that melts beautifully on the palate. Whether enjoyed with afternoon tea or as a refined dessert board centerpiece, they’re an irresistible upgrade from the traditional sugar-topped chouquette.

What Makes These Chouquettes Special 🍮

By pairing the classic choux base with a luxurious crème diplomate, this version strikes a beautiful balance between richness and lightness.
The pastry cream is enriched with vanilla bean, cocoa butter and mascarpone for depth, then lifted with softly whipped cream for that signature cloud-like texture.

Pearl sugar baked into the tops adds crunch, sweetness and an authentically French touch.

Building the Perfect Choux ✨

The dough begins with a classic panade—milk, butter, trimoline and flour cooked together—then enriched slowly with eggs until glossy. Each puff is piped at 25g for even baking and sprinkled with pearl sugar so it caramelises into crisp, sweet pockets.

A steady bake at 180°C ensures the chouquettes rise, dry out fully and turn a deep golden colour. This creates the hollow interior that’s ideal for filling.

Silky Vanilla Crème Diplomate 🌿

The pastry cream is infused with real vanilla beans, thickened with custard powder and flour, and finished with butter, cocoa butter and mascarpone for a refined, rich flavour.
Once cooled, it’s folded with softly whipped cream to create an airy, spoonable filling that pipes beautifully into each puff.

This filling complements the delicate choux without overwhelming it—light, creamy and subtly fragrant.

How to Assemble Like a French Baker 🇫🇷

Once the chouquettes cool, a small hole is made at the base to fill them neatly.
A piping bag fitted with a small tip works best for injecting the crème diplomate so every puff is filled without bursting.
A final dusting of confectioners’ sugar and vanilla powder brings a soft, aromatic finish.

Serving Ideas & Variations 🎉

Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a bright twist
Fill half the batch with pastry cream only for contrast
Dip the tops lightly in caramel for a glossy, crunchy shell
Serve with berries for a fresh, colourful pairing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

These filled chouquettes capture all the charm of classic French choux pastry while being approachable enough for home baking.
Crisp, sweet, airy and creamy—they’re the kind of treat that disappears seconds after serving.

Perfect for brunch, celebratory gatherings, or simply elevating your weekend baking ritual.

Enjoy every light, vanilla-kissed bite! ✨