This blog post by Toddler Recipes Australia features a unique recipe for making a delightful French dessert called Croquembouche for toddlers. This delicious, custard-filled pastry treat is a quick and easy way to treat any budding gourmet with something special. Perfect for a special occasion, or even just a special day, this toddler-friendly recipe is a great way to introduce your toddler to the joys of fine French cuisine.

General Information

• Servings: 10
• Keywords: Croquembouche, Cream Puffs, Caramel
• Calories: 220 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fats: 9g
• Preparation Time: 4 hours
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (125ml) of water
• 1/4 cup (55g) of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of salt
• 1 cup (140g) of all purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

Cream Filling

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (55g) of butter
• 2 tablespoons (20g) of all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) of salt
• 2 cups (420g) of heavy cream

Caramel

• 2 cups (400g) of sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. To make the cream puff dough, add the water, butter, and salt to a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour, stirring constantly until the dough forms a ball.

4. Transfer the dough to a bowl and allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

5. Once cooled, add the eggs to the dough one at a time, stirring until completely combined.

6. Using two tablespoons, drop the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, forming roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls of dough.

7. Bake the cream puffs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

8. While the cream puffs are baking, make the cream filling.

9. Heat the milk and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated, then set aside.

10. In a separate medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

11. Add the flour and salt and stir until combined.

12. Gradually add the heated milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes.

13. Remove the cream from the heat and join in the heavy cream.

14. Once fully combined, cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour.

15. To make the caramel, stir together the sugar and water in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat until the sugar is melted and the mixture is golden in colour.

16. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

17. Once all the components, crusts, cream, and caramel are ready, assemble the Croquembouche.

18. Begin by dipping each cream puff into the caramel and arranging them in a tree-like structure.

19. Once each layer is done, fill the centre of the tree with the whipped cream and drizzle with the leftover caramel.

20. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Recommended Sides

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Family-Friendly Joke Q: Why did the chef go crazy? A: He had too much dessert.