Croquembouche is probably one of the most advanced pastries to make
Adding to the impressive list of all the veganized Classic Cakes and Pastries
Vegan Croquembouche is very simply tower of cream puffs all bound together with caramel!
This simple idea is definitely not for the faint of heart or the beginner pastry chef! Believe me!
If you are ready for a challenge this one is for you!
We already know how to make the best vegan cream puffs and caramel is an easy one
Now all you need is time and a ton of patience!
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Notes for Success:
Cream puff Choux Pastry (a.k.a Cream Puff Shells) can be prepared well in advance
But not filled with the pastry cream until the day you are ready to assemble the Vegan Croquembuche
I am using a #10 Ateco tip with a coupler to fill the puffs
Caramel must be made ala minute since it has to be hot and drippy to act as the glue that holds it all together!
You may end up needing more caramel than the specified amount I listed below
So be prepared to make a second batch (or a 4th batch if you are me! Uggh)
Also you will notice corn syrup is listed for the caramel this is not essential
However corn syrup is an invert sugar which helps to prevent crystallization
Additionally when making caramel is is imperative that you DO NOT STIR the sugar solution once it has started to boil or you will get crystals
WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO FOR HOW TO MAKE THE CROQUEMBUCHE
Croquembouche
Be sure to watch the video tutorial to get an idea of how to plan your timing for this one!
Ingredients Â
For the Custard:
- 3 cup Plant Milk 700ml
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar 200g
- 7 Tbs Cornstarch 56g
- 3 Tbs Vegan Butter 42g
- 1½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract 7ml
For the Caramel:
- 2½ cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Water
- 2 Tbs Corn Syrup
InstructionsÂ
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First prepare the pate a choux recipe (double recipe) according to the instructions & video tutorial for that recipe (this can be done well in advance & you can freeze the unfilled shells for up to 1 month)
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You will pipe approximately 48-54 miniature puffs each one to the size of about 1¼ in in diameter onto a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lining
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Prepare the pastry cream custard by combining the sugar with the cornstarch & then add that to the plant milk in a large sauce pot
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Bring everything to a full rolling boil over medium to high heat whisking constantly to avoid scorching
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Once it comes to a full boil remove from the heat & add the vegan butter & vanilla extract, whisk smooth
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Transfer the hot custard to a large mixing bowl to cool, then refrigerate until ready to fill the puffs
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Poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff & with a pastry bag & small round tip (Ateco #10) pipe the cold custard into each puff shell. refrigerate until needed
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Next prepare the caramel by combining the sugar with the water & optional corn syrup (corn syrup prevents crystallization)
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Once the sugar solution comes to a boil DO NOT STIR!
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Once the color starts to turn a light amber color remove from heat & shock the pot in an ice water bath to stop the cooking *see video
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Allow the caramel to settle down for about 3-4 minutes then carefully dip the tops of each puff into the hot caramel *I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH TO BE CAREFUL WHEN WORKING WITH HOT CARAMEL
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Next start gluing the filled caramel dipped cream puffs onto a 6″ cake board making sure that the caramel top is facing outward~ so this will mean you are stacking the puffs on their sides to build the tower. You may have to rewarm the caramel several times as you are working since it will eventually start to set
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Continue stacking, gluing & building until you form a complete tower
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Next using the remaining caramel (or you may have to make a new recipe) using a fork slowly drizzle drips of caramel all around the Croquembuche to form a spun sugar cage
Video
Notes
Storage Croquembouche is meant to be made and served on the same day. The caramel will not withstand refrigeration (and custard filled cream puffs must be kept refrigerated) therefore this dessert creates a conundrum. However the finished masterpiece can stay out at room temperature as the showpiece for up to 4 hours
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