Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of elegance in your desserts, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel. This delightful treat combines light, airy choux pastry puffs filled with a luxuriously creamy cashew filling and topped with a luscious, perfectly balanced caramel sauce. The texture contrast between the pillowy pastry and the smooth filling is simply irresistible, and the touch of caramel adds that golden-hued indulgence that takes every bite to new heights. Trust me, once you try these Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel, they will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert lineup.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel lies in its relatively simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating the right balance of flavor, texture, and color to make this dessert truly shine.

• Unsalted butter: Essential for the rich flavor and tender texture in the choux pastry and caramel sauce.
• Water: Helps create steam in the oven, which puffs up the choux pastry beautifully.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the choux dough and forms the base of the caramel sauce.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the choux, giving it structure yet keeping it light.
• Large eggs: Provide richness and help with the signature airy texture of choux.
• Raw cashews: Soaked for creaminess and blended into the dreamy cashew filling.
• Plant or dairy milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the cashew cream.
• Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla extract: A fragrant touch that enhances the cashew cream’s sweetness.
• Heavy or coconut cream: Creates the silky richness of the caramel sauce.
• Crushed roasted cashews: For garnish, adding crunch and extra nutty goodness.

How to Make Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

Start by heating the butter, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until boiling. This mixture creates the perfect steam environment that will make your pastry rise. Next, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough pulls away from the pan and forms a smooth ball. This ensures your pastry will be light yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Step 2: Beat in the Eggs

Remove the dough from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You are aiming for a glossy batter that will pipe easily but hold its shape when baked. This step is the key to creating that celebrated airy texture.

Step 3: Pipe and Bake

Transfer your batter to a piping bag and pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto a parchment-lined baking tray. The uniform size helps ensure even baking and puffing. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25–30 minutes or until the clouds are puffed, golden, and beautifully crisp. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 4: Make the Cashew Cream Filling

While the pastry cools, blend the soaked cashews with your choice of plant or dairy milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until ultra-smooth and creamy. Chill this luscious cashew cream until it thickens and is perfect for piping into the pastry shells.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, heat sugar and water gently until the mixture turns a rich amber color. This caramel base should be watched closely for that perfect hue—too light and it won’t have depth; too dark and it’ll taste bitter. Then, whisk in the cream and butter carefully to create a velvety sauce. A small pinch of sea salt awakens the flavors beautifully. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Fill and Assemble

Slice the tops off your choux puffs and pipe in the chilled cashew cream generously. Next, drizzle the heavenly caramel sauce over the filling, then cap the puffs with their golden tops. This assembly creates the signature look and texture of the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel, making every bite a perfect harmony of sweet, creamy, and airy sensations.

Step 7: Decorate

For an extra special touch, sprinkle crushed roasted cashews on top and drizzle more caramel sauce over the puffs. The garnish adds not only a delightful crunch but also a beautiful visual appeal that makes these treats as stunning as they are delicious.

How to Serve Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of crushed roasted cashews and a glossy drizzle of caramel sauce will elevate the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel to show-stopping presentation status. These garnishes bring additional texture and a nutty richness that complements the softness of the pastry and cream beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicate clouds with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or a bold espresso to balance their creamy sweetness. If you prefer something fruity, a simple mixed berry salad or a few slices of fresh pear can complement the nutty caramel flavor while adding a bright note to your dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel on a rustic wooden board with scattered crushed cashews and small ramekins of extra caramel for dipping. If you’re feeling festive, add edible gold leaf or a dusting of cinnamon on top for an unexpected flair. With their golden color and airy shape, these puffs make for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the filled puffs chilled to preserve the creamy filling and prevent the caramel from becoming overly sticky. Enjoy them within two days for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

Because of their delicate nature, freezing is a bit tricky. You can freeze the unfilled choux puffs in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then pipe in the cashew cream and caramel to keep the flavors fresh and textures intact.

Reheating

To refresh the choux puffs, gently warm them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes before assembling with the filling. Avoid reheating once filled, as the cream and caramel may lose their ideal consistency. This method keeps the pastry crisp and light, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the cashew cream filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cashew cream filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It often thickens nicely after chilling, making it easier to pipe into the pastries the next day.

Is it possible to use other nuts instead of cashews?

You can try substituting soaked almonds or macadamia nuts for a different but equally creamy texture. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but the Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel will still be delicious.

Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the caramel sauce?

Definitely. Coconut cream works beautifully in place of heavy cream and adds a lovely subtle coconut flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the cashew and caramel notes.

How do I know when my choux pastry is done baking?

The choux puffs should be puffed up, golden-brown, and sound hollow when tapped gently. Baking long enough ensures they will be crisp enough to hold the filling without collapsing.

What is the best way to pipe the cashew cream into the puffs?

Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip allows for precise filling without making a mess. Pipe slowly and fill each puff generously to get that satisfying cream burst with every bite.

Final Thoughts

The Golden Clouds of Cashew Caramel are truly one of those desserts that feel as special as they taste. They’re perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary yet comforting. With their light choux pastry, creamy nutty filling, and rich caramel topping, these clouds bring pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try making your own and share the magic of these golden treasures!