Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Spring has arrived, and with it, a sudden craving for something light, bright, and utterly delightful! Lemon Cream Puffs are the answer, a sweet treat that combines zesty lemon curd and airy marshmallow fluff, all nestled within a delicate chocolate shell. What I love about this recipe is that it’s not just visually stunning, but also surprisingly simple to whip up—perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth. Plus, these little gems can be made ahead of time and stored effortlessly! Ready to explore the world of creamy, citrus-infused magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!” Why are Lemon Cream Puffs a Must-Try? Deliciously Unique: These cream puffs are filled with a zesty lemon curd that dances on your palate, paired with a cloud-like marshmallow fluff. Elegant Presentation: Wrapped in a glossy chocolate shell and resting on a soft marzipan base, they look like gourmet treats straight from a bakery. Versatile Flavors: Not a fan of lemon? You can easily switch to a raspberry or peanut butter filling for something just as delightful! Check out my Raspberry Cream Puffs for another tasty option. Impressive Yet Simple: With a straightforward process, you don’t need to be a pro to create these stunning desserts. Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them in advance and store them for a future gathering—your guests will think you spent all day in the kitchen! Perfect for Spring: Fresh, fruity, and light, these puffs are an ideal dessert for sunny gatherings and celebrations. Your taste buds will thank you! Lemon Cream Puff Ingredients Elevate your dessert game with these delightful Lemon Cream Puffs! For the Lemon Curd Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed is recommended for the best tangy flavor. Sugar – Use granulated sugar to sweeten the curd perfectly. Eggs (whole and yolks) – They add richness and help thicken the lemon curd. Butter (cold, cubed) – Cold butter gives the curd its creamy, smooth texture. For the Chocolate Shell White Chocolate – Valrhona Ivoire is a top-quality choice for a luxurious shell. Yellow Chocolate Color – Adds a beautiful tint to your chocolate for a stunning look. For the Marshmallow Fluff Granulated Sugar – Essential for creating a sweet and airy fluff. Glucose Syrup – Stabilizes the sugar mixture while heating for perfect consistency. Water – Used to cook the sugar mixture for the fluff. Egg Whites – Must be whipped until stiff peaks form for optimal fluffiness. Vanilla Paste – Enhances the flavor with aromatic sweetness. For Assembly Marzipan – This almond-based treat forms a lovely base for your cream puffs. Edible Gold Leaf – An optional decorative touch to impress your guests. Indulge in these Lemon Cream Puffs for a refreshing treat that’s sure to delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Cream Puffs Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd In a small pot over low-medium heat, whisk together fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, whole egg, and egg yolks. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and reaches 80-85ºC. Once thickened, remove from heat and blend in cold, cubed butter until smooth and creamy. This zesty lemon curd will be the delightful essence of your Lemon Cream Puffs. Step 2: Make the Chocolate Shell Melt high-quality white chocolate, such as Valrhona Ivoire, using a double boiler until smooth. Add yellow chocolate color to achieve a beautiful tint. Quickly coat the inside of silicone molds with the tempered chocolate using a brush, ensuring even coverage. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until set, creating a glossy, sturdy shell for your cream puffs. Step 3: Whip Marshmallow Fluff In a saucepan, combine water, glucose syrup, and granulated sugar, heating over medium until the mixture reaches 117ºC. Meanwhile, whisk egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar syrup is ready, carefully combine it with the egg whites and mix in vanilla paste until fluffy and well combined. Transfer the marshmallow fluff to a piping bag and set aside. Step 4: Prepare the Marzipan Base Roll out marzipan on a lightly dusted surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles that match the size of your cream puff bases. This marzipan layer adds a lovely almond flavor and texture, creating a solid foundation for your Lemon Cream Puffs. Step 5: Assemble Cream Puffs Begin assembly by piping marshmallow fluff into each chilled chocolate shell, filling them about halfway. Next, add a generous spoonful of the tangy lemon curd atop the fluff. Gently place a marzipan circle on top, sealing it against the shell, ensuring not to disturb the filling beneath. This layered approach showcases the luxurious flavors of your Lemon Cream Puffs. Step 6: Set and Serve To finalize, gently melt any leftover chocolate and use it to seal the marzipan top onto the chocolate shell. Place the assembled cream puffs in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set. Once firm, gently release them from the molds. Optionally, decorate with edible gold leaf for an elegant touch before serving, and enjoy the delightful textures and flavors in your Lemon Cream Puffs. Expert Tips for Lemon Cream Puffs Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice ensures the best flavor in your lemon curd, elevating your lemon cream puffs to a whole new level. Strain the Curd: To achieve an ultra-smooth lemon curd, always strain it through a fine sieve before mixing in the butter. This avoids any lumps. Egg Whites Matter: Make sure your whisk and bowl are free of grease when whipping egg whites. This is essential for achieving those stiff peaks necessary for fluffy marshmallow fluff. Temperature Precision: Don’t skip the sugar thermometer! Keeping an eye on temperatures for both the lemon curd and marshmallow fluff prevents burning and ensures perfect consistency. Chill Before Assembly: Chill the chocolate shells before filling to help maintain their structure, ensuring your lemon cream puffs look and taste their best. Seal Properly: Use melted chocolate to seal the marzipan on top of the shells to prevent filling from leaking out. This keeps your lemon cream puffs intact and beautiful! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Cream Puffs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat with ease. You can prepare the lemon curd and marshmallow fluff up to 3 days in advance—simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent them from separating. The chocolate shells can be made and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, follow the final assembly steps by piping the marshmallow fluff and lemon curd into the chilled shells, topping with marzipan, and sealing them with melted chocolate. This way, you’ll be able to savor these deliciously flaky desserts without the last-minute rush! How to Store and Freeze Lemon Cream Puffs Room Temperature: Store Lemon Cream Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and texture. Fridge: If storing longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are well-sealed, as moisture can affect their delicate structure. Freezer: For freezing, wrap each cream puff individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cream puffs in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can change their texture. What to Serve with Lemon Cream Puffs? Spring is the perfect time to indulge in these delightful, airy desserts that bring a touch of elegance to any gathering. Fresh Berries: A vibrant medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing pop that complements the lemony sweetness beautifully. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream provides a comforting balance to the zesty lemon flavors, creating a heavenly dessert experience. Chilled Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly enhances the festive feel and pairs impeccably with the lightness of lemon cream puffs for your special occasions. Lemon Sorbet: For those who can’t get enough lemon, a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet creates a delightful contrast while keeping the theme vibrant and fresh. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: A warm, rich chocolate ganache drizzled over your cream puffs adds a touch of decadence, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Mint Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint on the side not only elevates the plate but also adds an aromatic freshness that ties everything together. Homemade Lemonade: Serve with a glass of sparkling homemade lemonade for a refreshing, citrus-infused drink that encourages summer vibes during any gathering. Lime Custard: A silky lime custard provides a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the puffs, allowing for a delightful citrus medley. These pairing options will not only enhance your lemon cream puffs but also create an unforgettable dessert spread that your guests will adore! Lemon Cream Puffs Variations & Substitutions Get creative and tweak these delightful lemon cream puffs to suit your taste or occasion with these exciting ideas! Raspberry Twist: Substitute lemon curd with raspberry curd for a berry-infused treat. The vibrant color and tangy flavor create a stunning alternative! Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache instead of marshmallow fluff for a rich, indulgent twist. The dark chocolate will beautifully complement the lemon’s brightness. Nutty Delight: Use almond cream instead of coconut to create a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the lemon curd. The pair is delectable! Fruit Fusion: Combine lemon curd with passionfruit for an exotic flavor explosion. This tropical twist will lift your puffs to an entirely new realm of deliciousness! Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, use aquafaba in place of egg whites for the marshmallow fluff and a dairy-free butter for the lemon curd! Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the lemon curd for a subtle kick. The spice will heighten the lemon’s tanginess beautifully. Gluten-Free Base: Substitute marzipan with gluten-free almond paste for the base if required. This keeps every delicious mouthful intact and flavorsome. Decadent Topping: Drizzle a rich caramel sauce over the top before serving for a sweet finish. This beautifully contrasts the tart lemon, making every bite divine! Each of these variations will take your lemon cream puffs in exciting new directions. And if you’re seeking more inspiration, don’t forget to explore my delicious Cookies Cream Oreo Cheesecake or try whipping up some delightful Zucchini Bread Lemon for your next sweet endeavor! Lemon Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs How do I select the best lemons for the lemon curd? Absolutely! Look for lemons that are bright yellow and firm to the touch. Avoid lemons with dark spots or wrinkled skins as they may indicate overripeness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will elevate the flavor of your lemon curd, making it vibrant and zesty. How should I store Lemon Cream Puffs to keep them fresh? To keep your Lemon Cream Puffs at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure they are sealed well, as moisture can alter their delightful texture! Can I freeze Lemon Cream Puffs, and if so, how? Certainly! To freeze Lemon Cream Puffs, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap after assembly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1 month! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid the microwave, as it can change their crispy texture! What should I do if my marshmallow fluff isn’t fluffy enough? Very! If your marshmallow fluff isn’t reaching stiff peaks, check that your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free—any residue can hinder the egg whites’ ability to whip up properly. If you’re still struggling, ensure you’re using fresh egg whites and try adding a pinch of cream of tartar while whipping; this can help stabilize the mixture for a fluffier result. Are these Lemon Cream Puffs safe for those with nut allergies? While the Lemon Cream Puffs themselves don’t contain nuts, the marzipan base is made from almonds. If you need to cater to nut allergies, consider using a different base, like a simple shortbread or cookie crust, to maintain the lovely presentation without the nut ingredient. Always double-check ingredient labels and consult with anyone who has dietary restrictions! Can I make variations like Raspberry or Peanut Butter Cream Puffs using the same recipe? Absolutely! You can easily swap the lemon curd for other flavors, such as raspberry or a peanut butter filling. Just prepare the substitute filling to your liking, and follow the same assembly instructions for different delicious cream puff variations. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Irresistible Lemon Cream Puffs for Your Sweetest Spring! Lemon Cream Puffs are a delightful treat filled with zesty lemon curd and airy marshmallow fluff, perfect for impressing your guests this spring. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 45 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 puffsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Lemon Curd1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh squeezed is recommended for the best tangy flavor.1 cup Granulated Sugar Use to sweeten the curd perfectly.3 large Eggs (whole and yolks) They add richness and help thicken the lemon curd.4 tablespoons Butter (cold, cubed) Cold butter gives the curd its creamy, smooth texture.For the Chocolate Shell6 ounces White Chocolate Valrhona Ivoire is recommended.1 tablespoon Yellow Chocolate Color Adds a beautiful tint to your chocolate.For the Marshmallow Fluff1 cup Granulated Sugar Essential for creating a sweet fluff.1/2 cup Glucose Syrup Stabilizes the mixture while heating.1/2 cup Water Used to cook the sugar mixture.4 large Egg Whites Whipped until stiff peaks form.1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste Enhances the flavor.For Assembly100 grams Marzipan Forms a lovely base for your cream puffs.1 sheet Edible Gold Leaf Optional decorative touch. Equipment small potDouble boilerSilicone moldssaucepanpiping bagRound cutterWhiskfine sieve Method Prepare the Lemon CurdIn a small pot over low-medium heat, whisk together fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, whole egg, and egg yolks until thickened.Blend in cold, cubed butter until smooth and creamy.Make the Chocolate ShellMelt white chocolate in a double boiler until smooth, then add yellow chocolate color.Coat the inside of silicone molds with the tempered chocolate using a brush and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until set.Whip Marshmallow FluffCombine water, glucose syrup, and granulated sugar in a saucepan and heat until 117ºC.Whisk egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form, then combine with sugar syrup and mix in vanilla paste.Transfer to a piping bag and set aside.Prepare the Marzipan BaseRoll out marzipan to about 1/8-inch thickness, then cut circles that match the size of your cream puff bases.Assemble Cream PuffsPipe marshmallow fluff into each chilled chocolate shell, filling halfway, then add a spoonful of lemon curd on top.Place a marzipan circle on top and seal it against the shell.Set and ServeMelt any leftover chocolate to seal the marzipan on top and freeze for 10-15 minutes to set.Release from molds and optionally decorate with edible gold leaf before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1puffCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese Lemon Cream Puffs can be made ahead of time and stored easily. Ensure you use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and chill the chocolate shells before filling. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
