Poor Man's Croquembouche

by Crafty Mom
(Redwood City)

Not to disrespect the professional bakers of the world, but croquembouche cakes can be easily made on a budget, yourself!

Our local Costco (in Redwood City, CA) sells large containers of cream puffs. The enter of the puff is more of a vanilla ice-cream consistency, than whipped cream. (they're sold in the frozen section)

My child's school recently had an international day at school and I had signed up for the dessert. Because we're half French I thought I could try to make a croquembouche with the cream puffs at Costco.

With a lot of caramel glaze and toothpicks, I was able to pull it off! The school secretary allowed me to store it in the school freezer up until the time of the party, so there were no issues with the centers melting.

I forgot my camera that day, so asked other parents to send pictures to me, which I haven't received yet. If I ever get any I will post them on this site.

I know this was an amateur project for a school, but if I really wanted to I'm sure I could do an even bigger croquembouche for a wedding cake. I would just need a better platform and learn how to make spun sugar!