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National Cream Puff Day

Light, airy delights with a delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a midnight snack.

Baking Dessert Food & Drink Pastry45

Marketing angleinferred

Drive foot traffic and online orders to bakeries and specialty dessert retailers by positioning cream puffs as a trendy, Instagram-worthy indulgence with global heritage and artisanal appeal.

Relevance 45medium intent

Spotlight local bakeries' unique cream puff flavors and heritage recipes (floral infusions, Asian-inspired twists)
Share the 500-year history of cream puffs from Catherine de Medici to modern gourmet chains like Beard Papa's
Create user-generated content campaigns around 'cream puff adventures' at featured restaurants worldwide
Behind-the-scenes baking tutorials and fun facts (125-pound record holder) to drive engagement and shareability

History

Cream puffs are quite unusual pastries and are made very differently than most other recipes in their category.

They originated in the 1540’s when Catherine de Medici’s pastry chef created the baked puffed shells for Catherine’s husband, Henry II of France. Although both the pastry and its name profiterole initially came from France, profiteroles are now considered to be one of the main national dishes in Gibraltar.

The word profiterole (also spelled prophitrole, profitrolle, or profiterolle) has existed in the English language since 1604, borrowed from the French.

The original meaning in both English and French is unclear, but later it came to mean a kind of roll “baked under the ashes.” A 17th century French recipe for a Potage de profiteolles or profiterolles describes a soup of dried small breads, simmered in almond broth and garnished with coxcombs, truffles, and various other items.

The current cream puff does not date quite as far back and is only clearly referred to in the 19th century. But it wasn’t long until the dessert made a splash in the New World.

In fact, the “cream puff” has appeared on restaurant menus in the United States since 1851.

How to celebrate

Enjoy Cream Puffs at a Restaurant

Didn’t know that cream puffs are making a comeback in recent years? Well they are! And what could be bad about that? Try out some of these bakeries for the best cream puffs in the world: Beard Papa’sAlthough it might be a surprise, the origins of this world-famous cream puff chain hail from Japan. Starting out as a small bakery with to-die-for cream puffs, the chain grew to 400 stores in at least 15 countries all over the world (including more than 25 throughout the USA). KekiFor the best cream puffs in New York City, try none other than Keki. These cream puffs, with an Asian flare, are considered by some to be the softest in the city or “cloud pillows of cream”. The TapestryGo to the heart of where it all began and visit Paris. While there, head over to this delightful bakery where the cream puffs are infused with flowers-of-the-field essential oils. Maitre ChouxHop over the channel from France for a little taste of some of the best cream puffs in London. With four London branches, these bakeries serve up some of the most unique flavors of cream puffs available. Learn Fun Facts About Cream PuffsSince cream puffs can fall a bit on the obscure end of the knowledge spectrum, friends and family members will be impressed when one of these interesting bits of trivia is pulled out in honor and celebration of National Cream Puff Day!The largest cream puff ever made weighed in at over 125 pounds. It was made in Wisconsin at the state fair in 2011 by baker David Schmidt and his team. This mammoth cream puff measured 38 inches wide by 7 ½ inches tall.Thinking of leaving those cream puffs in the oven? Think again! Since all of their puffiness is made from hot air, it’s necessary to get them out of the oven and get them cooled right away before they deflate and become like a flattened balloon.While cream puffs might look complicated (and they can be a bit fussy), the recipe is actually only made of 4 ingredients: butter, flour, eggs and water.Another name for the type of dough used in making cream puffs is “choux”. The dough relies on its high content of water to create steam that causes it to puff up.

Try Making Cream Puffs at Home

To celebrate National Cream Puff Day, it is possible to explore a variety of different recipes to create different and unique versions of them. Recipes varying from chocolate filled puffs to the traditional whip cream and even ice cream can all bring an amount of excitement and honor to this day! So get out those baking pans and parchment papers because it’s time to invite family and friends over to share these delightful treats. Now, there are many recipes for Cream Puffs, but for the sake of consistency and order, here’s a look at one basic recipe to get started with. And it only makes sense to go with the classic! Cream Puffs with whipped cream filling.

FAQ

Did cream puffs originate in France or elsewhere?

Cream puffs, or “choux à la crème,” are believed to have originated in France, although similar pastries appeared across Europe in the 16th century. Variations spread quickly, leading to unique takes in Italy and England. French cooks refined the airy pastry dough, and by the 1800s, it became a mainstay in French patisseries, marking France as the spiritual home of the cream puff.

What’s the biggest cream puff ever made?

The record for the largest cream puff was set in 2011 at the Wisconsin State Fair, weighing in at a massive 125.5 pounds. Created as a tribute to the state fair’s long history with the dessert, this giant cream puff showcased the scale of pastry-making skill and the event’s deep love for cream puffs.

Why are cream puffs so popular at the Wisconsin State Fair?

The Wisconsin State Fair has served cream puffs since 1924, making it one of the fair’s signature treats. Each summer, thousands of visitors indulge in these puffs, with fairgoers consuming an estimated 400,000 cream puffs annually. The Original Cream Puff Bakery, run by the Wisconsin Bakers Association, continues to churn out these favorites each fair season.

Is there a savory version of the cream puff?

Yes! While most cream puffs are sweet, savory versions are popular in Europe and Japan. These savory puffs use the same choux pastry but are filled with cheese, herbs, or meats. In Japan, some bakeries even offer cream puffs filled with seafood or seasoned potato for a unique twist.

How are cream puffs celebrated in Japan?

Japan has embraced cream puffs wholeheartedly. Chain stores like Beard Papa’s, founded in Osaka in 1999, have popularized the treat with unique flavors such as matcha and caramel. Japanese cream puffs often come with a crunchy, crackly outer layer known as craquelin, adding an extra texture that locals love.

What’s the difference between a cream puff and a profiterole?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, the main difference lies in the filling. Profiteroles typically feature ice cream and are sometimes drizzled with chocolate, especially in Europe. Cream puffs are more often filled with whipped cream or pastry cream and dusted with powdered sugar.

Is it possible to make a vegan cream puff?

Yes! While traditional choux pastry uses eggs for structure, chefs have developed vegan versions using aquafaba (chickpea water) or flaxseed. Vegan cream fillings can be made from coconut cream or soy-based alternatives, making it possible to enjoy cream puffs without animal products.

Do any myths or superstitions surround cream puffs?

In France, it’s said that sharing cream puffs on a first date brings good luck in love. Another belief is that if a chef’s first batch of cream puffs rises perfectly, the year ahead will be prosperous. These pastries are also popular at celebrations, symbolizing abundance and sweetness in life.

How are cream puffs made traditionally?

Cream puffs start with choux pastry, a simple dough made from butter, water, flour, and eggs. The dough is cooked, then baked until it puffs up and creates a hollow center. After cooling, pastry chefs inject the puffs with cream or custard, transforming them into the final, decadent treat.

What’s a fun way to celebrate National Cream Puff Day?

Try hosting a “cream puff bar” party! Guests can pick from a range of fillings—classic whipped cream, chocolate custard, or even savory options like herb cheese. Offer toppings like powdered sugar, sprinkles, or chocolate sauce for a fun and interactive dessert experience.