Easy Chocolate Éclair Recipe

July 23, 2023 Post a Comment

When it comes to classic desserts, few treats are as beloved as the chocolate éclair. This French pastry is a classic combination of crunchy choux pastry, creamy custard, and thick chocolate glaze. It is one of those desserts that everyone loves, and it’s actually surprisingly easy to make at home!

These easy chocolate éclairs are made with choux pastry, which is a type of pastry made with eggs, butter, flour, and water. It is first baked in the oven and then split to create a hollow center for the custard filling. The pastry is then topped with a chocolate glaze for a decadent and delicious result.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (55 g) butter
- 1/2 cup (70 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup (130 g) custard powder
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar

For the glaze:

- 1/2 cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

To make the pastry:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the water and butter. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is beginning to boil.
3. Add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon after each addition. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
6. Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 8-10 éclairs onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the éclairs are golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely before filling.

To make the filling:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the custard powder and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the milk until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the remaining milk and sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is just beginning to simmer.
3. Slowly whisk the custard mixture into the milk mixture.
4. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
5. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

To make the glaze:

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the chocolate chips and cream. Heat until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Let cool slightly before using.

To assemble the éclairs:

1. Slice the éclairs in half lengthwise.
2. Spoon the custard filling into the center of each éclair.
3. Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the éclairs.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

One easy chocolate éclair contains approximately 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein.

These éclairs are rich in calcium, as the custard filling is made with milk, and they are also a source of vitamin A, which is found in the butter used to make the pastry.

Although these éclairs are delicious, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Tips and Tricks

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the ingredients mix together more easily.

If you have trouble piping the éclairs, you can also use a spoon to scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet.

If you don’t have custard powder, you can use instant vanilla pudding mix instead.

If you want to make the éclairs ahead of time, you can cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For a special touch, you can top these éclairs with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Conclusion

These easy chocolate éclairs are a classic French pastry that are surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is a few simple ingredients, such as all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, custard powder, and milk. The pastry is first baked and then filled with creamy custard and topped with a chocolate glaze.

These éclairs are a decadent and delicious treat that will impress all of your friends and family. So if you’re looking for a classic dessert that is sure to please, give these easy chocolate éclairs a try!