Eclairs are one of the most beloved French pastries, known for their crisp choux pastry shell, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate topping. Light yet indulgent, these pastries are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with something homemade. Much like our Madeleines or Classic Tiramisu, eclairs are a timeless dessert that highlight the beauty of European baking traditions.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 eclairs
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 4 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the choux pastry: In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until mixture forms a ball. Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag and pipe 4-inch strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 20 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare the pastry cream: Heat milk in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking, then return mixture to the saucepan. Cook until thickened, remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Chill before using.
- Fill the eclairs: Cut cooled shells in half lengthwise. Pipe chilled pastry cream inside.
- Make the glaze: Heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble: Dip tops of filled eclairs in chocolate glaze and let set before serving.
Tips & Variations
✦ You can flavor the pastry cream with coffee, caramel, or fruit puree for a creative twist.
✦ For a lighter version, fill with whipped cream instead of pastry cream.
✦ Learn more about choux pastry to perfect your technique.
✦ Try pairing eclairs with Lemon Panna Cotta or Fruit Tartlets for a stunning dessert platter.
