Name: Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup water; ½ cup butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whipping cream, whipped; 2 bananas, sliced; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted; 1 tablespoon milk

Jump to Recipe·4 from 22 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth craving something decadent yet light, this Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe is your golden ticket to dessert heaven. It’s a stunning combination of airy cream puff shells, luscious banana-infused cream cheese filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of rich textures and fresh flavors, making it the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Trust me, once you try making this, it will become a beloved favorite in your dessert arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are three clear glass bowls with white flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar, placed at different positions. Another clear bowl holds a small amount of white milk, and a similar bowl contains dark vanilla extract, next to a small block of dark chocolate with a few squares broken off. Four white eggs are placed near a blue box of cream cheese and a stick of butter. A bunch of yellow bananas rests at the top right corner. A clear measuring cup filled with a white liquid is in the bottom left corner, with a smaller clear measuring cup with water nearby. The scene is bright and clean, emphasizing the textures and colors of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe is simple but plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the buttery choux pastry to the sweet bananas and silky chocolate, everything is essential for that unforgettable taste.

1 cup water: Provides the liquid base for the pastry dough that helps it rise beautifully.
½ cup butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender, flaky puff shell.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the pastry structure.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering.
4 large eggs: Provide moisture and structure, giving the pastry that essential puff.
2 bricks (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Offers creamy tanginess for the banana filling.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the creaminess.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic notes.
1 cup whipping cream, whipped: Adds lightness and fluff to the filling.
2 bananas, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and a delightful fruitiness.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the chocolate ganache smoothly.
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted: Brings deep cocoa richness to the ganache topping.
1 tablespoon milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect ganache consistency.

How to Make Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Puff Pastry

Start by bringing the water and butter to a boil in a saucepan. This sizzling, bubbling mixture is the foundation for that classic puff pastry texture. Next, add the flour and salt all at once and stir vigorously over low heat until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the pan. This step is crucial to develop the right consistency for your pastry base.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Remove the dough from heat and begin adding eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This careful folding technique creates elasticity, which is what makes the pastry puff up gorgeously in the oven rather than flatten out.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Pastry

Drop ten half-cupfuls of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, forming large 9-inch rings. This size gives your cream puffs plenty of room to rise and fill with deliciousness later. Bake the shells at 400 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue. Once baked, transfer immediately to a cooling rack to maintain their crisp texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Cream Cheese Filling

While the pastry cools, combine the softened cream cheese, one cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Reserve half a cup of this mixture aside for the ganache. Fold the whipped cream and sliced bananas gently into the remaining cream cheese mixture, making sure not to deflate that beautiful airy texture. Chill until you’re ready to fill the pastry shells.

Step 5: Fill the Pastries

Carefully cut the tops off each cooled cream puff. Spoon in the chilled banana cream cheese filling generously, then replace the tops to create charming little domes of delight ready for their finishing touch.

Step 6: Make and Add the Chocolate Ganache

Mix the reserved cream cheese mixture with the remaining powdered sugar, melted unsweetened chocolate, and milk until smooth and luscious. Spread this decadent ganache over the top of each cream puff, adding a shiny, chocolatey crown that ties the whole Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe together in style.

How to Serve Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe

The image shows a close-up of several cream puffs with a golden-brown puff pastry base that is slightly cracked and dusted with powdered sugar. Each puff is split horizontally, revealing a layer of white cream filling inside. On top of each puff, there is a thick dollop of light brown chocolate cream with a smooth, swirled texture. The cream puffs rest on a wooden surface with a white marbled background behind them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your cream puffs by adding fresh banana slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a whimsical, bakery-worthy presentation. A few mint leaves can also add a refreshing pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

Serve these delightful cream puffs alongside a cup of rich coffee or a glass of chilled dessert wine. Fresh berries on the side can provide a tart counterbalance to the sweet, creamy filling, rounding out the dessert experience wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cream puffs in a pyramid for a stunning centerpiece or arranging them on a decorative platter with drizzles of extra chocolate ganache. You can even use decorative piping bags to create swirl patterns with the filling peeking out for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the banana cream cheese filling fresh. To avoid sogginess, assemble the filling and ganache just before serving whenever possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the plain cream puff shells before filling and frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before filling to ensure the perfect texture remains intact.

Reheating

Reheat the shells briefly in a warm oven to restore their crispness before adding the filling. Avoid microwaving filled puffs as this can make the pastry soggy and the filling too warm.

FAQs

Can I use something other than bananas for the filling?

Absolutely! This Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe is versatile. Try swapping in strawberries, blueberries, or even mango slices for a fresh twist that suits your taste.

Is it possible to make the ganache dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or coconut, and use dairy-free cream cheese. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

How long do cream puffs stay fresh after assembly?

They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of assembling since the moist filling can soften the pastry. Keep them refrigerated and covered to maintain freshness as long as possible.

Can I prepare the cream puff shells in advance?

Definitely. The shells freeze well unfrosted and unfilled, which makes them a great make-ahead option. Bake them, cool, freeze, and fill just before serving.

Why did my cream puffs not puff up properly?

This often happens if the dough is too wet or if the eggs were not fully incorporated. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as temperature fluctuations can prevent proper puffing.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Cream Puff Pastry with Banana Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Ganache Recipe brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment and joy that’s hard to match. It’s a dessert that combines elegance with comfort food vibes, sure to impress friends and family alike. If you’re looking to treat yourself or add a showstopping dessert to your next gathering, this recipe is absolutely worth trying. Give it a go and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas of sweet bananas and rich chocolate!