Cream Puff

Cream puffs, whether store-bought or homemade, are best enjoyed as soon as possible, preferably within a day or two. When refrigerated, you can expect cream puffs to retain their quality for about 3-5 days. Freezing cream puffs is a popular method for long-term storage, and the cream puffs can stay good for 2-3 months. But do bear in mind, they won't taste as fresh as the freshly baked ones.

When cream puffs go bad, you may notice a few signs. The most noticeable is the change in texture; they may become either extremely hard or soggy. Another sign is a change in their smell. Instead of a pleasant, buttery aroma, they might smell sour or even moldy. Upon visual inspection, if you see any mold or discoloration, those are definite signs that the cream puff has spoiled and it's time to discard them.

• Store cream puffs in an airtight container to keep them from drying out and absorbing other odors from the fridge. • If you plan to frost or fill your homemade cream puffs, wait until right before serving to maintain the puff's crisp texture. • If you need to store cream puffs for longer periods, consider freezing them. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way they won't stick together. • Thaw frozen cream puffs in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. To restore the crisp texture of the pastry, you can heat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.