Step into the world of French patisserie with croquembouche, an iconic dessert that captivates both the eyes and the palate.

INGREDIENTS

For the Custard:

• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Cream Puffs (Pâte à Choux):

• 2 cups water
• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups sifted flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 large eggs

For the Caramel:

• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow.
• Blend in salt and cornstarch until smooth, then gradually whisk in milk.
• Transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking continuously until thickened.
• Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap to cool.

2. Prepare the Cream Puffs (Pâte à Choux):

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
• In a saucepan, combine water and butter, melting the butter.
• Stir in sifted flour and salt until the mixture pulls away from the sides.
• Let cool, then add eggs one at a time, stirring until smooth.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment and shape heaping tablespoons of dough into rounds.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

3. Fill the Cream Puffs:

• Once cooled, transfer custard to a piping bag.
• Pipe custard into each cream puff through the bottom or side. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Caramel:

• In a skillet, combine sugar and water, cover, and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until medium amber.
• Remove from heat and use immediately.

5. Assemble the Croquembouche:

• Dip the bottom of each filled cream puff into caramel and place on a platter in a circular pattern.
• Continue stacking in a pyramid shape.
• If caramel hardens, gently reheat.
• For decoration, dip two forks in caramel and wave them around the cream puffs to create spun sugar.

Serving

• Serve immediately or within a few hours for the best texture. Enjoy this stunning dessert!

Enjoy!