These French éclairs redefine elegance and taste. With a creamy filling and rich chocolate topping, they’re a delightful treat for any pastry lover.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Perfect Texture: Crisp on the outside with a luscious creamy filling.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Topped with a smooth chocolate glaze.
- Homemade Luxury: A classic French pastry right in your kitchen.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for high tea, dessert after a sophisticated dinner, or whenever you crave something sweet and refined.
Ingredients:
For the Éclair Pastry:
- 100g butter
- 1.5 cups water (300 ml)
- 1.5 cups flour (150g)
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature, use 5 if they are small)
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 3 cups milk (600ml)
- 1 egg yolk
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 3 heaped tbsp cornstarch
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Topping:
- Chocolate (mix of bitter and milk chocolate recommended)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Dough:
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then lower the heat and add flour. Stir continuously until a smooth dough forms and it stops sticking to the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Gradually add eggs to the cooled dough, mixing well with a mixer after each addition.
- Place the dough in a piping bag and pipe onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, keeping some distance between each. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (fan off) for 40-45 minutes. Let the éclairs cool in the oven with the door ajar.
- Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously. Once the cream is thickened, remove from heat, add butter, and mix well. Cover and let it cool. Refrigerating the cream yields better results.
- Once cooled, pipe the cream into the éclairs.
- Chocolate Topping:
- Melt the chocolate using a bain-marie or microwave. Dip the top of each éclair into the melted chocolate. Optionally, decorate with white chocolate or nuts.
Notes:
- Serve as a luxurious treat at your next gathering or enjoy as a special dessert at home. Bon appétit!
