Name: Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cocoa or higher); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon edible gold dust

Golden, glossy, and filled with creamy indulgence, these Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles are little bites of luxury. Each puff is delicately crisp on the outside and filled with rich vanilla pastry cream, then dipped in glossy dark chocolate ganache and kissed with edible gold dust. They look like something out of a high-end patisserie, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, bringing something dazzling to a holiday gathering, or just want to treat yourself to a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, these profiteroles hit the mark. Their contrast of textures—airy choux shell, creamy interior, and luscious chocolate coating—makes each bite something to remember.

Why You’ll Love This Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles Recipe

This dessert isn’t just about looks, though the gold shimmer certainly helps. It’s about combining classic French pastry techniques with accessible ingredients and a wow-worthy finish. If you enjoy creating show-stopping desserts with minimal fuss, this one’s for you. Plus, the make-ahead option makes them a host’s dream.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Profiteroles?

Dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content works beautifully here. It gives the ganache a smooth richness that balances the sweet cream filling and buttery choux. You could use semi-sweet if you prefer something a little milder, but avoid milk chocolate, which tends to be too sweet and not firm enough for dipping.

Ingredients for the Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles

Making these Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles requires a few staple ingredients that together create magic. Each one plays a key role in building the flavor, structure, and look of this elegant dessert.

Water helps form the dough by combining with butter and flour to create steam during baking, which puffs up the shells.

Unsalted butter brings richness to the choux pastry and ensures a tender crumb.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of the choux dough, giving it the structure to rise and hold its shape.

Eggs are crucial for the puff and texture; they give the dough elasticity and the glossy finish.

Milk enriches the pastry cream, making it smooth and creamy.

Granulated sugar sweetens both the pastry cream and balances the ganache.

Cornstarch thickens the pastry cream without making it too heavy.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cream filling.

Dark chocolate creates a rich, luxurious ganache coating.

Heavy cream smooths the ganache and gives it that luscious shine.

Edible gold dust is the glamorous final touch that makes these profiteroles sparkle.

How To Make the Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until a ball forms. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Bake the Puffs

Pipe small rounds onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In a saucepan, heat milk with sugar and cornstarch until it thickens. Whisk in the vanilla and let it cool. Once cooled, spoon or pipe the cream into the cooled puffs.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit, then stir until smooth and shiny.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Dip the tops of filled profiteroles into the ganache and place them on a tray. While still slightly wet, dust with edible gold powder. Let set before serving.

Serving and Storing These Golden Beauties

Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles are best served fresh, with the shell still crisp and the filling cool. They make an impressive addition to a dessert platter or a gorgeous finish to a dinner party. This recipe yields about 20 profiteroles, perfect for feeding 8 to 10 people.

To store, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. If you’re prepping ahead, you can bake and store the choux shells separately in a dry place and fill and dip them the day of serving for best texture.

What to Serve With Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles?

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate.

Sparkling Wine

A chilled glass of Prosecco or Champagne elevates the dessert to celebration status.

Espresso or Coffee

A bold cup of coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Add an extra creamy layer to your dessert by serving these with a scoop of good-quality ice cream.

Chocolate Shavings

Sprinkle extra chocolate shavings over the plated profiteroles for a touch of flair.

Pistachio Crumble

A sprinkle of crushed pistachios gives a nutty crunch and bright color contrast.

Orange Zest

A pinch of zest adds citrusy aroma that lifts the flavor profile subtly.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Fancy Touch?

If these Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles made your dessert table shine, here are more ideas that mix comfort with elegance:

Check out this rich and nutty Butter Pecan Cheesecake.

Explore a refreshing summer favorite with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

Add color and whimsy with these Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies.

Craving something bright? Try the White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles.

Or bring in fruity nostalgia with the Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different filling or try a fun variation? Maybe a sprinkle of sea salt on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Gold-Dusted Chocolate Profiteroles aren’t just a treat, they’re a statement. They marry classic technique with modern elegance in every bite. Whether you’re a first-time choux maker or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a beautiful and rewarding one to master.