EASY TO COOK

🍫 Decadent Chocolate Éclairs: A French Classic to Indulge In ✨🇫🇷

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These Chocolate Éclairs are the ultimate indulgence! With a crisp pâte à choux shell, creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. ❤️

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Pâte à Choux (Pastry Shells):

  • 🍞 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 💧 1 cup water
  • 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
  • 🥚 4 large eggs

For the Pastry Cream (Filling):

  • 🥛 2 cups whole milk
  • 🥚 4 large egg yolks
  • 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 🍞 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

  • 🍫 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 🥛 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 🧈 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

🔥 Instructions:

1️⃣ Make the Pâte à Choux:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
  4. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 4-inch strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

2️⃣ Prepare the Pastry Cream:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing it onto the surface) and cool completely.

3️⃣ Make the Chocolate Glaze:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot (but not boiling).
  2. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the butter for a glossy finish, if desired.

4️⃣ Assemble the Éclairs:

  1. Slice the cooled pastry shells in half lengthwise.
  2. Fill a piping bag with the pastry cream and pipe it onto the bottom halves of the éclairs.
  3. Replace the tops of the éclairs and spread or drizzle the chocolate glaze over the tops.

🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Classic French Elegance: Impress your guests with a timeless dessert.
  • Perfect Textures: Crisp pastry, creamy filling, and smooth glaze.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead for easy assembly.
  • Customizable: Add coffee or flavored extracts to the filling for a twist.

Indulge in the decadence of homemade chocolate éclairs and savor every bite of this French classic! 🍫✨🇫🇷