Why cream puffs will soon replace donuts

MANILA, Philippines — Creating the perfect little confectionery is a feat for bakers, but Happy Cream Puff has mastered making a crust that is easy to bite and with the right amount of crispiness.

Happy Cream Puff's custard filling, caramelized coating and flavor-filled toppings are what make the small cakes delightful. The combination makes a refined sweetness the way most people would prefer.

General manager Mytch Alipio said cream puffs are the healthier, lighter alternative to weight conscious eaters craving for the variety of donuts available in the market.

"They are way healthier than doughnuts," Alipio said, adding that some customers even reported finishing up 10 petit puffs in one sitting.

Alipio also promises that the pastries are without preservatives.

"The owners are meticulous when it comes to the products' quality. Our cream puffs, compared to other cream puffs, are not pre-mixed. Freshness is always maintained," she said.

And the flavors? Happy Cream Puff offers an overwhelming number of 28 kinds in their newly opened branch in Shangri-La Mall's East Wing, Mandaluyong City.

The new Shangri-Plaza East Wing branch is picture perfect and a homey place to spend an afternoon with friends.

Customers can choose from among the 28 kinds of cream puffs.

There are nine chocolate types including an addicting dark chocolate coated puff with cocoa powder, two strawberry flavors, six in the caramel group, a blueberry puff, two matcha or green tea flavors, two with sprinkles, butter cookie and chocolate cookie toppings, one with icing and for those who prefer their puffs more bare: Two plain flavors with powder or almond sugar.

Happy Cream Puffs was established in 2006 in a small branch in Makati by Japan-born Mr. Yamagishi and his Filipino wife.

Mrs. Yamagishi is a self-taught baker and cook who concocted the cream puffs inspired by the Japanese hit dessert.

She also conceptualized, along with her husband, other (must try!) treats offered in the shop: a salty-sweet New York cheese cake and a unique blueberry cheese cake with a classic, homemade quality that easily stands out.

Its custard pudding, which would remind Pinoys of leche flan, is packaged in an attractive jar. A spoonful or two of the rich, smooth custard caps a meal on a high note.

Do drop by the Happy Cream Puff store in Shangri-La, as the Yamagishis offer hot and cold drinks for the first time in-store.

Happy Cream Puff's Capuccino sitting beside a copy of the Philippine STAR.

Its Japanese-style hand drip coffee offers an welcome alternative to brewed coffee lovers, and is a pride of the shop owners.

Also available are Instagram-worthy Capuccino, Cafe Latte, Cafe Au Lait, Matcha Latte and tea.

Photos are by the author.