Easy Chocolate Eclair Recipe With Custard Filling

August 04, 2023 Post a Comment

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Chocolate Eclairs With Vanilla Filling Made From Scratch Recipe Melanie Cooks from www.melaniecooks.com

Description

This easy chocolate eclair recipe with custard filling is perfect for those who love to bake and have a sweet tooth. Eclairs are a classic French pastry that are typically filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate ganache. This recipe takes a simple approach to making eclairs, but still results in a delicious and impressive dessert.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Ingredients

For the pastry:

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

For the custard filling:

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

For the chocolate ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Piping bag
Large round pastry tip
Saucepan
Whisk
Medium mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Microwave-safe bowl

Method

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the pastry dough.

In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted and the mixture comes to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.

3. Pipe the pastry dough onto the baking sheet.

Transfer the pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round pastry tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 3-inch (7.5 cm) long strips, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each strip.

4. Bake the pastry.

Bake the pastry for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet.

5. Make the custard filling.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Add the cornstarch and whisk until smooth. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the custard to a small mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. This will prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature.

6. Fill the eclairs with the custard.

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round pastry tip, poke a hole in the bottom of each eclair and fill with the cooled custard.

7. Make the chocolate ganache.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes. Whisk until smooth.

8. Top the eclairs with the chocolate ganache.

Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate ganache and let any excess drip off. Place the eclairs on a wire rack and let the chocolate set.

Notes

- Make sure to let the pastry dough cool slightly before adding the eggs, or the eggs may scramble. - Make sure to press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. - If the chocolate ganache is too thick, add a little more heavy cream to thin it out.

Nutrition Info

Each eclair contains approximately: - 320 calories - 19g fat - 32g carbohydrates - 7g protein

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pastry dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before piping and baking.

Can I use a different filling?

Yes, you can use a different filling if you prefer. Some popular options include whipped cream, pastry cream, or a fruit filling.

Can I freeze the eclairs?

Yes, you can freeze the unfilled pastry for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before filling and topping with the chocolate ganache.

Recipe Tips

- Make sure to use room temperature eggs for the pastry dough and custard filling. - Use a piping bag fitted with a large round pastry tip to pipe the pastry dough onto the baking sheet, and a piping bag fitted with a small round pastry tip to fill the eclairs with the custard. - Dip the top of each eclair into the chocolate ganache and let any excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.