The Best Ways To Store Cream Puffs

Cream puffs are a culinary classic. The delicate French pastry balls are filled with a sweet, whipped, creamy custard and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Martha Stewart says that the pastry is made of a light pȃte à choux, consisting of flour, eggs, and butter that "puffs up" when baked. 

The airy pastries are formed into balls, baked in the oven, and left to cool before filling with the light, whipped cream. Variations of the dessert exist, from plain pastries filled with cream to the addition of berries, caramel, powdered sugar, and chocolate drizzled varieties (via Allrecipes).

Because cream puffs have a delicate, puffy pastry, they must be kept fresh to maintain their light texture and dome-like structure and there are a few different ways to do this. Cream puffs can be stored in an airtight container or they can also be kept frozen or refrigerated. Below, you will find the methods by which you can store your cream puffs to keep them fresh and delicious.

The Food Channel shares that cream puffs can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days in an airtight container. Simply place the cream puffs into the storage container and put them in the fridge. They also recommend storing the leftover filling in the same way: For two to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream filling consists of dairy, so it only makes sense that it would be stored at a cool temperature.

Land O Lakes agrees with this storage method. The company says that storing cream puffs in this way helps prevent them from drying out. The Recipe Critic states that the pastry shells alone, without the filling, can be stored at room temperature for two to three days.

If you've ever made pudding, you know that when it is stored for too long, the pudding becomes watery. The sooner the puffs are consumed, the more tastier they are (via Food Channel). Avoid soggy treats by eating them when they're fresh.

Do you need to store your cream puffs for later use? If so, the freezer method is for you. According to Land O Lakes, place the pastries into an airtight container or resealable storage bag and seal. Then, store the puff shells in the freezer for up to two months. Land O Lakes states that cream puffs only take five to 10 minutes to thaw at room temperature.

EHow recommends placing cooled cream puffs on a plate and covering tightly with plastic wrap. Then, they say to put the wrapped plate of cream puffs into a large airtight storage bag and place it in the freezer. Freeze for up to one month.

King Arthur Baking states the same dough that creates cream puffs also makes eclairs. These longer versions of cream or custard-filled doughnuts are glazed with chocolate fondant and can be stored in similar manners.