Cream Puff Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 4 eggs
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 large box instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 12 ounces whipped topping

Directions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Then add the butter and bring to a boil again. Remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until it is just combined and forms a ball.
3. Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. After the final egg addition, continue to mix on high for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the dough to the prepared baking dish. Spray your fingertips with some baking spray and then gently press the dough into an even layer on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The dough will rise, especially up the sides of the pan. Cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding and milk. Set aside. In the bowl of stand mixer, beat the cream cheese 3-4 minutes until it is smooth. Then mix in the prepared pudding mix. Beat 3-4 minutes until smooth.
6. Spread the cream cheese and pudding mixture into an even layer on the cooled crust. Then top with a layer of whipped topping. Chill overnight or for 2-3 hours before serving