If you love the taste of classic Cream Puffs but want a much simpler method, you will LOVE this Easy No Bake Cream Puff Dessert! It has layers of pastry (using croissants) and a delicious filling made with vanilla pudding and cream cheese and topped with whipped cream and cream puffs. But the best part is my recipe is much easier because it's NO BAKE!
This Cream Puff Cake delivers all the flavor of cream puffs in a layered dessert form without the fuss of baking choux pastry. It's a fun and decadent dessert that's great for game day, potlucks, BBQs, or any time you are craving cream puffs. This recipe was inspired by my Cheater Eclairs and pairs well with my Beef on a Bun.
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I discovered cream puffs years ago at a daycare Christmas party for my kids and couldn't get enough! We always buy them as a special treat.
If you love easy no bake layered desserts, you'll love my Chocolate Raspberry Icebox Cake too!
🥘Ingredient Notes
Most cream puff cakes require baking a choux pastry layer, but that is a lot of unnecessary work (and choux pastry is a pain to make)! I use store-bought croissants, which mimic the texture and taste of a crispy choux pastry base and serves as the cream puff crust. The vanilla pudding, with cream cheese and whipping cream mimics the cream filling (pastry cream).
For this cream puff dessert recipe, you'll need the following simple ingredients:
- Croissants. You will need the large croissants for this recipe. You can buy them or make them yourself.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix (2 -3.4 ounce packages). You can make the instant pudding or buy the pre- made snack packs. If you use the snack pack pudding, skip the milk - you won't need it.
- Whipping cream (heavy cream). Make sure that you use 33-36% fat.
*See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Whipped cream - you can use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream or another type of whipped topping.
- Milk - You can use whatever milk you have on hand (1%, 2%, or whole). * If you use skim milk, only use 3 cups
- Chocolate syrup - you could use a different kind of chocolate sauce, chocolate ganache, or a drizzle of rich hot fudge sauce, or melt chocolate chips to drizzle (just be sure to melt them on ½ power if using the microwave, or they will seize)
- Add a flavor twist- you could add fresh berries between the pudding and whipped cream, a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella in the filling, or a dash of almond extract to elevate the flavor.
🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Cream Puff Dessert
Cut croissants in half. Then line the bottom of a 9X13 pan with half pieces of croissant, soft side up. This will be your cream puff crust.
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes on low until it starts to thicken.
Mix cream cheese into the bowl with the creamy pudding.
Beat cream cheese with pudding until smooth.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat whipped cream to soft peaks, then add sugar
Beat whipped cream to stiff peaks with wire whisk attachment or regular beaters
Drop pudding mixture in large spoonfuls over croissants (this will prevent crumbs from getting mixed in with the pudding mixture)
Spread the pudding layer evenly with a spatula.
Drop whipped cream over the pudding mixture.
Spread whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer
Store in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or a lid for at least 8 hours/overnight (and up to 24 hours) before serving. *This step is critical, as the crust needs time to soften!
Just before serving, add individual cream puffs and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
You can also drizzle chocolate over each piece as you serve.
Serve it with fresh fruit or a fruit salad, if desired.
Hint: Drizzle chocolate syrup straight from the bottle in a quick back-and-forth motion. Alternatively, you could put it in a ziplock, cut off a corner, and drizzle it that way.
🥗 What to Serve with Easy Cream Puff Dessert
This layered cream puff cake is great for game day, a party, BBQ, or potluck and goes well with so many dishes, including my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork on a Bun, Stovetop Chili, or Slow Cooker Beer Ribs.
If you're looking for something a little lighter, try this Healthy Pizza Casserole Recipe (shown).
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use Day-Old Croissants for Best Texture. If possible, use day-old croissants—they absorb the creamy filling better and create a more authentic cream puff texture without becoming soggy. *If you buy them from the grocery store, just leave the lid on the package open overnight.
- Beat Pudding and Cream Cheese Until Completely Smooth. To avoid lumps in your filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature and beat it thoroughly into the pudding until it is silky smooth. This ensures a velvety, uniform texture.
- Stabilize Whipped Cream (Optional). If you’re making this dessert ahead of time (more than 24 hours), consider stabilizing the whipped cream with 1 tablespoon of piping gel or 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to help it hold its shape longer.
- Layer the Pudding Gently. When adding the pudding mixture to the croissant base, drop it in spoonfuls instead of pouring. This prevents crumbs from getting mixed into the filling and keeps layers clean and defined.
- Refrigerate Overnight (No Skipping!) The chilling step is crucial—at least 8 hours, preferably 24. This gives the croissants time to soften and absorb the moisture from the filling, creating the signature “cream puff” feel.
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving. Wait until just before serving to garnish with cream puffs and drizzle chocolate syrup. This keeps the toppings looking fresh and prevents sogginess or smudging.
- Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices. Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for the cleanest, prettiest slices—especially helpful when serving guests.
🌡️Storage
Store leftover cream puff dessert with instant pudding in the fridge, in an airtight container for 4-5 days. If you're just storing it overnight, you can cover it with plastic wrap.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
🔢WW Points
Although this No Bake Cream Puff Cake is very indulgent, it can be made Weight Watchers friendlier if you don't mind using sugar-free products. You can use sugar-free vanilla pudding and sugar-free chocolate syrup. You can also use fat-free/sugar-free Cool Whip, as well as fat-free cream cheese.
❔ Recipe FAQ's
No, but croissants are highly recommended because they mimic the flaky, buttery texture of traditional choux pastry without the hassle of baking. If needed, you could try substituting with store-bought puff pastry or brioche, but results may vary.
Yes! This dessert is best made at least 8 hours in advance, but ideally 24 hours ahead. The resting time allows the croissant base to soften and meld with the creamy layers, giving you that perfect "cream puff" texture.
The easiest way is to use a store-bought chocolate syrup bottle and move your hand in a quick back-and-forth motion. Alternatively, put melted chocolate in a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle for more control.
If you are looking for an easy dessert recipe or a no bake dessert that will be loved by all, make this yummy, easy Cream Puff Cake! You get the flavors of a cream puff all in one easy dessert. It's one of my family's favorite desserts! And be sure to check out this collection No Bake Potluck Desserts.
🍮More Summer Desserts
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📋 No Bake Cream Puff Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 ½ cups cold milk
- 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (2 -3.4 ounce packages)
- 3 cups whipping cream (heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Garnish
- Chocolate sundae syrup
- cream puffs (optional)
Instructions
HEADS UP! This recipe needs to be refrigerated at least 8 hours (up to 24 hrs, ideally) before serving.
- Cut croissants in half. Then line the bottom of a 9X13 pan with ½ pieces of croissant, soft side up.4 large croissants
- In a large bowl, beat the milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes on low until it starts to thicken.Beat in softened cream cheese.3 ½ cups cold milk, 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix, 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Beat cream cheese and pudding until smooth.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat whipped cream to soft peaks, then add sugar3 cups whipping cream, 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- Beat to stiff peaks
- Drop pudding mixture in large spoonfuls over croissants (this will prevent crumbs from getting mixed in with the pudding mixture).
- Spread pudding evenly.
- Drop whipped cream by spoonful over pudding mixture.
- Spread whipped cream evenly.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours/overnight to 24 hours *This step is important because the crust needs time to soften!*
- Just before serving, add cream puffs and drizzle with chocolate syrup. *Add more cream puffs as garnish, to your preference, if you desire.Chocolate sundae syrup, cream puffs
Notes
-
- Use Day-Old Croissants for Best Texture. If possible, use day-old croissants—they absorb the creamy filling better and create a more authentic cream puff texture without becoming soggy. *If you buy them from the grocery store, just leave the lid on the package open overnight.
-
- Beat Pudding and Cream Cheese Until Completely Smooth. To avoid lumps in your filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature and beat it thoroughly into the pudding until it is silky smooth. This ensures a velvety, uniform texture.
-
- Stabilize Whipped Cream (Optional). If you’re making this dessert ahead of time (more than 24 hours), consider stabilizing the whipped cream with 1 tablespoon of piping gel or 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to help it hold its shape longer.
-
- Layer the Pudding Gently. When adding the pudding mixture to the croissant base, drop it in spoonfuls instead of pouring. This prevents crumbs from getting mixed into the filling and keeps layers clean and defined.
-
- Refrigerate Overnight (No Skipping!) The chilling step is crucial—at least 8 hours, preferably 24. This gives the croissants time to soften and absorb the moisture from the filling, creating the signature “cream puff” feel.
-
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving. Wait until just before serving to garnish with cream puffs and drizzle chocolate syrup. This keeps the toppings looking fresh and prevents sogginess or smudging.
-
- Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices. Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for the cleanest, prettiest slices—especially helpful when serving guests.
Terri Gilson
I created this No Bake Cream Puff Dessert for all of us who love cream puffs but don't have the time or patience to make choux pastry. Using store-bought croissants as the base gives you that perfect flaky texture without the fuss. The layers of vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and whipped cream capture that classic cream puff flavor we all love. It's become our go-to dessert for special occasions, bringing back memories of those Christmas party cream puffs that first got me hooked!