Name: Layered Choux Pastry Tower with Vanilla Custard, Caramel Drizzle & Berries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 20–25 airy choux puffs (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup smooth vanilla custard (ready-made or homemade); ¼ cup luscious caramel sauce; ½ cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Optional: Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

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Introduction

This layered choux pastry tower is a stunning dessert that combines airy puffs filled with creamy vanilla custard, drizzled with rich caramel, and topped with fresh berries. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to assemble.

A white plate holds a layered tower dessert shaped like a small Christmas tree, made of five layers of golden puff pastries filled with white cream. Each layer is topped with a mix of fresh red raspberries and dark blue blueberries, some also dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Drizzled caramel sauce shines on the white cream and puff pastries, creating a glossy contrast. A golden star sits at the top, crowning the dessert. Extra berries scatter around the base on the plate, while the background shows soft, warm yellow lights and festive greenery on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20–25 airy choux puffs (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup of smooth vanilla custard (ready-made or homemade)
¼ cup of luscious caramel sauce
½ cup of fresh, vibrant berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
A sprinkling of powdered sugar for decoration
Optional: Fresh mint leaves for a pop of color

Instructions

Step 1: Fill your choux puffs with vanilla custard using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Fill each puff generously to ensure a creamy center.
Step 2: Arrange a circular layer of the filled choux puffs on your serving platter to form a stable base.
Step 3: Stack a second circular layer of puffs on top, placing small dots of caramel sauce between them to help hold the tower together.
Step 4: Drizzle caramel sauce over the assembled tower, scatter fresh berries around it, and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For easier assembly, chill the custard-filled puffs briefly so they hold their shape better.
Try different berry combinations or add chopped nuts for extra texture.
Use chocolate sauce instead of caramel for a rich chocolate twist.
If you prefer, make your own choux puffs for a homemade touch and fresher flavor.

Storage

Store the assembled dessert in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. For best texture, assemble just before serving. Leftover filled puffs can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat choux puffs briefly in a warm oven before filling if desired.

How to Serve

A tall, pyramid-shaped dessert made from multiple layers of golden cream puffs filled with white cream, stacked on a round white plate. Each cream puff is topped with a drizzle of shiny caramel sauce and decorated with fresh red raspberries and dark blue blueberries. Powdered sugar dusts the cream puffs and berries, adding a light snowy effect. The top of the pyramid has a small cluster of berries and a shiny gold star decoration. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface with soft bokeh lights and green holiday decorations blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard and caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought vanilla custard and caramel sauce work perfectly and save time, especially if you’re short on time.

How do I keep the tower stable when serving?

Using dots of caramel sauce between layers helps glue the puffs together. Assembling on a flat, sturdy platter and serving soon after assembly also helps maintain stability.