Choux pastry crown on puff pastry base filled with cream is Italian-French pastry perfection. This elaborate mediterranean creation is a family celebration masterpiece.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out 1 puff pastry sheet to a 10-inch circle and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick base with a fork and chill 20 minutes.
Prepare choux: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 0.75 cup unsalted butter, 1.5 cups whole milk, 0.25 tsp salt, and bring just to a boil. Add 1.25 cups flour at once, stirring quickly, and cook until dough pulls away from sides (about 2 minutes).
Cool dough slightly, then beat in 5 eggs one at a time, mixing until glossy. Transfer to piping bag. Pipe a ring around the edge of the chilled puff pastry and make 8 small choux puffs for garnish.
Bake base and puffs at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown; cool completely on a rack.
Prepare pastry cream: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups milk and 0.5 cup sugar to simmer. Whisk 1 egg, 2 tsp vanilla, and temper with hot milk. Return to pan and cook over medium-low, whisking, until thickened. Cool completely.
Whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold into cooled pastry cream for a light filling.
Assemble: Spread pastry cream over puff base, arrange the choux ring and adhere puffs with a dab of cream. Fill or top with additional cream. Chill at least 2 hours before serving for flavors to blend and texture to set.