Chocolate éclairs are a beloved French pastry featuring crisp choux pastry filled with silky vanilla pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. These elegant treats are perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent homemade dessert. The combination of airy pastry, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate makes them irresistible.
Ingredients:
- Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Vanilla Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Chocolate Glaze:
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Return to heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe 4-inch strips onto the baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before filling.
- Make the Pastry Cream:
- Heat milk in a saucepan until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add warm milk to the mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and let cool.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until warm.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the Éclairs:
- Slice éclairs in half and fill with pastry cream.
- Dip the tops in chocolate glaze and let set.
These éclairs are crisp, creamy, and decadent—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! You can find more details here. Happy baking! 🍫✨