Chocolate profiteroles are the kind of dessert that feel indulgent and elegant yet bring a sense of nostalgic comfort with every bite. These delicate pastry puffs, filled with silky cream and draped in rich chocolate sauce, are a classic example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly showstopping. Light and airy on the outside but creamy and decadent within, profiteroles are as delightful to eat as they are beautiful to serve, making them perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or even a special treat at home.
At their heart, profiteroles are made from choux pastry, a versatile dough that puffs up in the oven to create hollow, crisp shells. Once cooled, they’re filled with sweet pastry cream, whipped cream, or even ice cream for a refreshing twist. The finishing touch is a generous drizzle of glossy chocolate sauce, which adds a deep, bittersweet richness that balances the lightness of the pastry and the sweetness of the filling. The contrast of textures and temperatures – crisp shell, cool filling, and warm chocolate, is what makes every bite so irresistible.
Part of the magic of chocolate profiteroles is how adaptable they are. They can be served individually as bite-sized treats, stacked into an impressive tower as a showpiece dessert, or plated with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Flavor variations are endless, think flavored creams infused with coffee, hazelnut, or citrus, or sauces made with dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit your taste.
Beyond their taste and beauty, profiteroles have a timeless charm that makes them a favorite across generations. They capture that perfect balance of lightness and decadence, sophistication and comfort. Whether enjoyed as the grand finale to a festive meal or as a sweet afternoon indulgence with coffee, chocolate profiteroles always leave a lasting impression. They’re proof that classic desserts never go out of style, especially when they combine crisp pastry, creamy filling, and a generous pour of luscious chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small mounds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffy.
- Allow the profiteroles to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form, then fill the profiteroles with the whipped cream.
- For the chocolate sauce, heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat, then add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the cream-filled profiteroles and serve.
Nutrition
Profiteroles? More like profit-a-lot, spending too much time on these!
Just wow!! Got messy but the kids loved helping out! Messy kitchen, happy kids 🙂
Sounds like a fun time! Can’t wait to make this with my kids too. Messy kitchens are just a sign of fun!
These were a hit at my party! Super easy to make and delicious!
My grandma used to make these but with vanilla! Are chocolate ones even real?
Chocolate ones are totally real! They are sooo delicious. Just have to give them a try!
I dunno, vanilla sounds better. Chocolate seems too much like a dessert or somethin’.
Great recipe! I substituted half the butter for coconut oil, worked like a charm!
I tried making this and it’s too complicated for me. Not worth the trouble.
I thought dark chocolate was supposed to be healthier? It’s still dessert, lol.