Are you a puff lover? Whether it’s creamy durian puffs or the classic chocolate eclairs, puff pastries are absolutely delicious and versatile indulgences. These Japanese Custard Puffs  (also known as Shu or Choux) are baked choux pastries with sweet, crackly, crunchy cookies topping and filled with custard and whipped cream in the centre. If you’re not a fan of cooking with cream, fret not! The whole process to make these Japanese cream puffs is extremely short. Choux pastry comes together in about 10-15 minutes. Most of the ingredients are cooked together on the stove; this initial cooking causes the starch in the flour to gelatinize, which will help the pastry hold onto steam and puff up.

The pastry shell and the crackly top is actually created separated then laid on top of each other.

This recipe makes 24 pieces of light, sweet, crackly puffs, and enough coconut custard cream to fill the shells.

Looking for more Japanese treats to make? Try this simple Ichigo (strawberry) mochi recipe. If you’re feeling experimental, try out different sweet fillings such as Strawberry Jam, Nutella or Peanut Buttercream.

Or if you simply prefer savoury puffs, then check out this simple Cheese Herb Puffs Recipe which you can make to complement any main savoury protein!