Recipe for St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs (Bignè di San Giuseppe)

St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs, or Bignè di San Giuseppe, are a delightful treat traditionally enjoyed in Italy during the feast day of St. Joseph, celebrated on March 19th. This dessert is popular in various regions, but especially in Sicily and southern Italy, where it’s filled with delicious cream and sometimes topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or pistachios.

Let me show you how I make these delectable cream puffs, based on my own personal experience. These puffs are made with a pâte à choux, which is a light, airy dough that bakes into golden, crisp little pockets. You can fill them with pastry cream, sweetened ricotta, or a variation of your choice.

Notes:

Expect a light and airy texture from the pâte à choux with a rich, creamy filling. These are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Recipe for St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs (Bignè di San Giuseppe)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Time to Stand: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ease of Cooking: Intermediate
Servings: 12-16 puffs
Calories per Serving: ~ 70 calories (depending on filling and size)
Cost of Ingredients: Moderate (about $12–$15)
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dessert

Equipment Needed:

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Small saucepan
• Piping bag (optional)
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs now.

Ingredients:

For the pâte à choux:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp limoncello (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs now.

Method:

1. Make the pâte à choux (Pastry Dough):

• In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Stir in the flour all at once, and mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Remove from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth, shiny, and thick.

2. Shape the Puffs:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon or piping bag, scoop the dough onto the tray in 1-inch mounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for another 40 minutes, until golden and puffed.
• Leave them to cool in the oven with the door ajar for a few minutes to prevent collapsing.

3. Make the Pastry Cream:

• In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
• Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and starts to boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and limoncello (optional). Let it cool completely.

4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:

• Once the puffs are cool, use a sharp knife to cut a slit in the side of each puff.
• Pipe or spoon the pastry cream into each puff until they feel heavy.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations & Tips:

• For a different filling: Try a ricotta mixture, adding a little sugar and vanilla, or even a flavored mascarpone filling.
• For a lighter version: Use a sugar substitute or low-fat milk for the filling.
• If you’re short on time: You can use ready-made custard or pastry cream to speed things up.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  # St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs now.

• Nutritional Information Per Serving (estimated):
  Calories: 70
  Carbs: 8g
  Fat: 4g
  Protein: 2g

I hope this guide has made making St. Joseph’s Cream Puffs seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful way to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day! Enjoy!