Enroll in my new video class, All About Choux: Sweet and Savory Puffed Treats, from Éclairs to Gougères.
Cream puffs and éclairs are more popular than ever. These classic pastries—pâte à choux filled with cream and often finished with a glaze—have experienced a major resurgence in recent years, appearing in patisseries, cafés, and pastry menus around the world.
I first noticed this revival nearly a decade ago in Paris at Fauchon’s éclairs festival. The variety and creativity on display were astonishing: sweet and savory flavors, bold decorations, and exquisite craftsmanship. Many of the éclairs looked like miniature edible artworks, and I was immediately inspired to develop my own pâte à choux skills.
Back home I practiced pâte à choux until I could produce consistent results, mastering éclairs, chouquettes, profiteroles, and savory gougères. Around the same time, pastry chef Christophe Adam was instrumental in bringing éclairs to global attention. After 15 years at Fauchon, he opened L’Éclair de Génie in 2012, a shop devoted to inventive éclairs that helped inspire renewed interest in this 160-year-old pastry. Today, dedicated choux shops and creative pastry chefs continue to expand the pastry’s possibilities worldwide.
Despite their impressive appearance, pâte à choux creations are approachable at home. Once you learn the essential technique of making pâte à choux, you can turn that single dough into a wide range of treats—sweet and savory alike. The key is understanding the dough’s consistency, how to pipe it, and the proper baking method so the puffs rise and dry correctly.
In my All About Choux video class, I demonstrate the entire process: how to prepare a reliable pâte à choux, tips for successful piping and baking, and step-by-step instructions for chouquettes, cream puffs, profiteroles, éclairs, and cheese-filled gougères. I also share variations and troubleshooting advice so you can feel confident on your first try and experiment with flavors and finishes.
Watch the class trailer for a preview of the recipes and techniques you’ll learn and the festive, polished results you can achieve in your own kitchen:
My All About Choux video class is designed for beginners who want to build foundational pastry skills as well as for experienced bakers seeking fresh ideas and refined techniques to impress friends and family.
The class is hosted on Skillshare, a platform for creative learning. Enrolling gives you step-by-step video instruction, recipe notes, and practical tips to help you progress quickly. If you’re planning holiday baking or want to add impressive dessert and appetizer options to your repertoire, this class offers clear guidance and inspiration.
Ready to bake? Click here to access the full video class and start making choux creations at home.