Classic Eclair Recipe with Chocolate Glaze

Classic éclairs are a delightful French pastry made from choux dough, filled with creamy pastry cream, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe will guide you through each step to creating these delectable treats at home.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is simmering.
2. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
3. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Bake the Éclairs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
4. Pipe 4- to 5-inch-long strips on the parchment paper, leaving space between each éclair.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not open the oven door while baking, as the éclairs may collapse.
6. Once baked, remove the éclairs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and half of the sugar over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Éclairs

1. Once the éclairs are cool, use a small knife to make a slit in the side of each éclair.
2. Fill a piping bag with the pastry cream and carefully pipe it into each éclair through the slit until filled.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Glaze the Éclairs

1. Dip the top of each filled éclair into the chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
2. Place the glazed éclairs on a wire rack to set before serving.

Classic éclairs with chocolate glaze are now ready to be savored! Their light, airy texture paired with rich cream and chocolate will make these pastries a favorite at any gathering.

Enjoy your homemade éclairs, and don't forget to share this recipe with friends!