Fluffy Cream Puff Cake

Step 1

Combine water and butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Once the butter has completely melted, add the flour and stir well, then continue to stir over medium heat for 2 minutes.Note: It is important to cook it the entire 2 minutes so that the flour will cook completely. The dough will stick to the sides of the pan and then form a ball; keep stirring and cooking.

Step 2

After 2 minutes, remove from the heat and place dough in the bowl of an electric mixer. Allow to cool about 5 minutes. Then, with the machine running on low, add the salt and eggs one at a time, with time in between each addition. The dough will change in appearance from looking like scrambled eggs to a shiny batter. Continue to beat for about 2 minutes until it pulls away from the bottom or sides of the bowl.

Step 3

Spread the dough into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pushing it into the corners and up to the sides.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and bake for 15-18 minutes. It should no longer look wet and should look lightly golden brown.

Step 5

Return the pan to the oven with the heat off, leave the door ajar and allow to cool to room temperature.