Indulge in the timeless elegance of French patisserie with these Classic Chocolate Eclairs. Light and airy choux pastry is filled with a rich chocolate cream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. Perfect for any special occasion or just because you deserve a treat!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 🥛 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 🥛 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 🧈 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🍚 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 🥚 4 large eggs
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 🥛 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 🍚 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 🍚 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 🍫 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🥚 4 large egg yolks
- 🧈 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 🥛 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 🍫 4 oz (113 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 🧈 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
📝 Directions:
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the dough. - Cool and Add Eggs:
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny. - Pipe and Bake:
Spoon the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch (10 cm) long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the eclairs cool in the oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Filling:
- Heat the Milk:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. - Mix and Cook:
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract. - Chill the Filling:
Pour the filling into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface), and refrigerate until chilled.
Fill the Eclairs:
- Cut and Fill:
Once the eclairs and filling are completely cooled, cut the eclairs in half lengthwise. Spoon the chocolate filling into a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip. Pipe the filling into the bottom half of each eclair, then replace the top halves.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
- Heat the Cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. - Make the Glaze:
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
Glaze the Eclairs:
- Dip and Set:
Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the eclairs on a wire rack and let the glaze set.
🍪 Serve:
- Slice and Serve:
Enjoy your homemade chocolate eclairs! These delicious pastries are perfect for dessert or a special treat.
⏱ Preparation Time: 40 minutes
⏱ Baking and Cooling Time: 45 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12 eclairs
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a different twist, try filling the eclairs with vanilla or coffee-flavored pastry cream.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the glazed eclairs before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Classic Chocolate Eclairs, a perfect treat for any occasion! 🍪✨🍫