Eclairs are a classic French pastry that are not only delicious but also easy to make at home. With a crispy exterior and a creamy filling, these delicate treats are perfect for dessert or afternoon tea. In this post, we share a simple recipe that will help you create perfect eclairs in no time.
Ingredients
For the choux pastry:
- 125g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter
- 4 eggs
- 250ml water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 250ml heavy cream
For the chocolate topping:
- 100g dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Using a pastry bag or a spoon, pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming 4-inch long strips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- To make the filling, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Slice the eclairs in half horizontally and fill with the whipped cream.
- For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave on low heat. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the eclairs.
- For a finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar and serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Variations
Chocolate Eclairs
For a chocolatey twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the choux pastry recipe. You can also use a chocolate filling instead of whipped cream and top with melted chocolate.
Vanilla Eclairs
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the choux pastry recipe and use a vanilla-flavored filling instead of whipped cream.
Strawberry Eclairs
For a fruity variation, add 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries to the whipped cream filling. You can also drizzle with a strawberry sauce on top.
Vegan Eclairs
To make vegan eclairs, use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of eggs and vegan whipped cream for the filling. Use vegan dark chocolate for the topping.
With this easy recipe, you can make delicious homemade eclairs that will impress your family and friends. Whether you go for the classic version or try one of the variations, these delicate pastries are sure to become a favorite!
FAQ
What are Eclairs?
Eclairs are a French pastry made from choux dough, filled with pastry cream, and topped with chocolate ganache.
What ingredients do I need to make Eclairs?
You will need all-purpose flour, salt, water, unsalted butter, eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate.
Can I make Eclairs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pastry shells ahead of time and freeze them until you are ready to fill and top them with chocolate ganache.
How do I make the choux pastry for Eclairs?
To make the choux pastry, you will need to boil water and butter together, add flour and salt, and stir until the mixture forms a ball. Then, add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and shiny.
How do I fill the Eclairs?
To fill the Eclairs, use a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe the pastry cream into the pastry shells through a small hole made in the bottom of each shell.
How do I make the chocolate ganache for Eclairs?
To make the chocolate ganache, heat whole milk, granulated sugar, and cornstarch together until thickened. Then, pour the mixture over chopped semisweet chocolate and stir until smooth.
Can I use different flavors for the pastry cream?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors for the pastry cream by adding extracts, such as almond or lemon, or using different types of milk, such as coconut or almond milk.
How long do Eclairs last?
Eclairs are best eaten within a day or two of making them. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I freeze Eclairs?
Yes, you can freeze unfilled Eclairs for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before filling and topping them with chocolate ganache.
How do I store leftover chocolate ganache?
You can store leftover chocolate ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before using it to top Eclairs.
