Baklava Topped Eclairs: A Unique Fusion Dessert

Experience a delightful twist on classic eclairs with our Baklava Topped Eclairs. This unique fusion dessert combines the crisp, buttery layers of baklava filo pastry with the creamy, luscious filling of traditional eclairs. Topped with a light mascarpone cream and garnished with pistachios, these eclairs are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet dessert experience at home, these baklava topped eclairs are a crowd-pleaser and a testament to culinary creativity.

Ingredients:

• For the Filo Tops:
  • 180g filo pastry (baklava grade)
  • 100g melted butter
• For the Eclairs:
  • 125ml water
  • 125ml milk
  • 125g butter
  • 145g flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Approx. 3 eggs or 170g egg
• For the Cream:
  • 200g heavy cream
  • 70g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • Zest from 1/3 lemon
  • 500g mascarpone

Instructions:

1. Prepare Filo Tops:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan setting).
   • Layer filo pastry sheets on an oven tray, brushing each with melted butter. Repeat to create 8-10 layers.
   • Cut into rectangles similar in size to eclairs.
   • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Make Eclairs:
   • Bring water, milk, sugar, and butter to a light boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and fold in flour to remove lumps.
   • Return to low heat and cook until a thin layer forms at the bottom.
   • Transfer the dough to a mixer. Gradually add beaten eggs until the dough forms a glossy “V” shape when it falls from the spatula.
   • Let the dough rest in the fridge for 1 hour, then pipe onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper using a star tip.
   • Dust with icing sugar and freeze for 30 minutes.
   • Preheat oven to 200°C, then reduce to 180°C and bake eclairs for 40 minutes.
3. Prepare Cream:
   • Whisk heavy cream, icing sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest on medium speed. Add mascarpone and whisk until thickened, being careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble Eclairs:
   • Fill eclairs with cream, pipe some on top, and add the baklava filo tops.
   • Garnish with pistachios and optionally, drizzle with simple syrup.

Indulge in these Baklava Topped Eclairs, a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and French pastry traditions, offering a unique and exquisite dessert experience. 🍯🌰🍫🍰✨